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Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disorder characterized by a low platelet count in the blood. Platelets are cells in the blood that help with blood clotting. ITP is considered idiopathic because the cause of the low platelet count is unknown in most cases.
The symptoms of ITP can vary, but the most common symptom is bleeding under the skin, resulting in purplish spots or patches (called purpura). Other symptoms can include easy bruising, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in the urine or stool, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
ITP can be acute or chronic. Acute ITP typically occurs in children and often resolves on its own within a few months. Chronic ITP can last for years and occurs more commonly in adults. Treatment options for ITP depend on the severity of the disease and can include medications to boost the platelet count or surgery to remove the spleen, which is a site of platelet destruction.