Arthur Nathaniel Billings ITP blood disorder health advices right now? 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 on ITP blood disorder treatments : What are platelets? There are three types of blood cell which are all formed in the bone marrow; red cells, white cells and platelets. Platelets, which are small and sticky and circulate in the bloodstream provide the inital plug to stop bruising and bleeding after an injury, and stop blood leaking from capilleries. A blood sample is taken to measure the circulating platelets, and in most people there are between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets in every cubic millimetre of blood. However in the USA we simplify this by describing a platelet count of, say, 150 rather than 150,000. Anyone with a count less than 100 would be considered thrombocytopenic (ie. short of platelets).
What else can I do? It would be sensible to avoid sports where there is a risk of head injury whilst the platelet count is below 50 × 10^9/l. With a platelet count between 50 and 100 × 10^9/l there will still be more bruising so consider the use of shin pads etc. For further details, discuss with your consultant. There may be times when taking a holiday abroad is better avoided; discuss this with your doctor. It may be harder to get insurance. A list of recommended insurance companies can be obtained from the ITP Support Association (details below).
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). Read even more details at Arthur Nathaniel Billings.
Chronic thrombocytopenic purpura. The onset of the disorder can happen at any age, and the symptoms can last a minimum of 6 months, several years, or a lifetime. Adults have this form more often than children do, but it does affect adolescents. Females have it more often than males. Chronic ITP can recur often and requires continual follow-up care with a blood specialist (hematologist). What causes idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura? In ITP, the immune system is stimulated to attack your body’s own platelets. Most often this is a result of antibody production against platelets. In a small number of cases, a type of white blood cell called T-cells will directly attack platelets. This immune system error may be a result of any of the following.