Arthur Nathaniel Billings blood disorder health advices today? ITP that arises suddenly is known as acute ITP, if the platelet count remains low after 3 months it will be called persistent ITP, and if the platelet count has not returned to normal after 12 months it will be called chronic ITP. The severity of the condition is determined by adding the names severe or mild. Thus, for example, someone with chronic severe ITP would have had a troublesome condition with a very low platelet count for over a year.

Arthur Nathaniel Billings about ITP blood disorder treatments : What is the incidence of ITP? In the USA about 3,000 to 4,000 of the population have ITP at any one time, and it is not more prevalent in any particular racial or ethnic group. What are the symptoms of ITP? Some people with ITP, especially those with a count over 50, may have no symptoms at all, and their ITP only noticed during a routine blood test. Even people with very low counts, can sometimes have few symptoms.

First line treatment is typically with tablet steroids such as prednisolone. About 70-80% of individuals will respond to steroids and initial treatment will usually be for 6-8 weeks, although the dose will be reduced during that time, rather than stopped suddenly. Steroids can have side effects. You may not have side effects but these can include gastric irritation (we may recommend an additional tablet to protect the lining of the stomach), mood or sleep disruption, greater risk of infection, fluid retention, increased appetite, increased blood sugar or blood pressure, muscle weakness and thinning of the bones. For some individuals, we may also recommend additional treatment to protect the bones while on steroids.

Steroids. Steroids help prevent bleeding by reducing the rate of platelet destruction. Steroids, if effective, will result in an increase in platelet counts seen within 2 to 3 weeks. Side effects may include irritability, stomach irritation, weight gain, high blood pressure, and acne. Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG). Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG) is a protein that contains many antibodies and also slows the destruction of platelets. IVGG works faster than steroids (within 24 to 48 hours). Find more information on Arthur Nathaniel Billings.

What is immune thrombocytopenic purpura? Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a blood disorder characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. A decrease in platelets can cause easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding. This disease is caused by an immune reaction against one’s own platelets. It has also been called autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.