Arthur Billings blood disorder ITP solutions 2022? What is ITP? Immune thrombocytopenia (formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) is a medical term for an autoimmune disorder (immune) causing a shortage of platelets (thrombocytopenia) and bruising (purpura). What is the cause of ITP? ITP is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakes the platelets as being foreign and destroys them. It can follow a virus, vaccination or certain medications, but for most people the cause is unknown.
Arthur Nathaniel Billings on ITP blood disorder treatments : Many people with ITP have a platelet count in single figures, and on rare occasions there are not enough circulating platelets to be counted, thus the count is given as 0. The number of platelets circulating in our bodies fluctuates all the time, and thus no two consecutive platelet counts are likely to be exactly the same either in a healthy person or in an ITP sufferer. What is the difference between ITP and hæmophilia? Haemophilia is inherited and permanent, ITP is not inherited, and can go into remission. Hæmophilia patients are deficient in one of the 12 factors which act together to form a blood clot. ITP patients are short of platelets which work independently as the initial plug to stop blood leakage, but the rest of the clotting mechanism works normally. Platelet infusions are only used in emergencies as transfused platelets, like the patient’s own platelets, are destroyed by their immune system in a matter of hours.
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.
The symptoms of ITP may look like other medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis. How is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, you may have these tests: Complete blood count (CBC). A measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood (to measure platelets. Additional blood and urine tests. These tests are done to measure bleeding time and detect possible infections, including a special blood test called an antiplatelet antibody test. Discover extra info at https://healthprovidersdata.com/hipaa/codes/NPI-1225198567-mr-arthur-nathaniel-billings-rph.
Thrombocytopenia means a decreased number of platelets in the blood. Purpura refers to the purple discoloring of the skin, as with a bruise. ITP is a fairly common blood disorder that both children and adults can develop. There are two forms of ITP: Acute thrombocytopenic purpura. This usually affects young children, ages 2 to 6 years old. The symptoms may follow a viral illness, such as chickenpox. Acute ITP usually starts suddenly and the symptoms usually disappear in less than 6 months, often within a few weeks. Treatment is often not needed. The disorder usually does not recur. Acute ITP is the most common form of the disorder.