Effective ITP Treatment Options
ITP can cause symptoms like bruising, bleeding and fatigue. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available to help manage ITP and improve platelet counts.
1. Steroids (Corticosteroids)
Steroids are often the first treatment option for ITP. Medications like prednisone help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system to stop it from attacking the platelets. While effective, long-term use can have side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.
2. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
IVIG is another treatment that can quickly increase platelet counts. It involves infusing a high dose of antibodies into the bloodstream. This treatment can be used when a quick response is needed, such as in cases of severe bleeding or when steroids aren't effective.
3. Platelet Transfusions
In cases where platelet counts are dangerously low, platelet transfusions may be used to temporarily increase the number of platelets in the blood. This treatment doesn't address the underlying immune issue, but it can help manage symptoms until other treatments take effect.
4. Splenectomy (Spleen Removal)
For some people with ITP, the spleen, which plays a role in destroying platelets, may need to be removed. A splenectomy can be an effective long-term solution for some individuals, but it's usually considered only after other treatments haven't worked.
5. Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists
Medications like romiplostim (Nplate) and eltrombopag (Promacta) stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets. These treatments are often used when steroids and other treatments are not effective or when a person doesn't want to undergo a splenectomy.
6. Rituximab (Rituxan)
Rituximab is a medication that targets and eliminates the immune cells that are attacking the platelets. It's often used when other treatments, like steroids, have not worked. Rituximab is typically given as an intravenous infusion and can help restore platelet counts in some people with ITP.
7. Fostamatinib (Tavalisse)
Fostamatinib is an oral medication that can help increase platelet counts by blocking certain signals that cause platelets to be destroyed. It’s used when other treatments have not been successful or when patients cannot undergo more invasive treatments.
8. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Although not a direct treatment for ITP, some people find that managing stress, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding activities that could lead to injury can help improve overall health and reduce symptoms. Always consult with a doctor before making changes to diet or lifestyle.
9. Clinical Trials
For people who do not respond to conventional treatments, clinical trials may provide access to new and experimental therapies. These trials offer the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments that are not yet widely available.
How is ITP Diagnosed?
While a diagnosis of ITP may initially be alarming, it's important to remember that treatments are highly effective. In fact, if your platelet level isn't excessively low, and if you aren't experiencing bleeding, you may not even need treatment, which can help alleviate any anxiety about the condition. To diagnose ITP, your healthcare team will review your medical history and ask you about your family history. A review of your symptoms and a physical exam will reveal any signs of bleeding.
In addition, several blood tests will confirm that ITP is present. These tests include a CBC, or complete blood count, which measures your platelet count as well as the amount of other blood cells present. Blood tests can also determine if the antibody that destroys platelets is present.
A blood smear will be examined under a microscope to examine the platelets present. Finally, a blood marrow test will determine how healthy your blood marrow is and confirm whether it is an ITP or another blood platelet disorder. This test is particularly helpful if the treatment for ITP is not working.
What Causes ITP? Can It Be Prevented?
An error in the immune system causes ITP, the cause of which is as yet unknown. In ITP, the immune system is wrongly triggered to attack platelets, which inhibits their ability to perform their clotting action when something damages or cuts the blood vessels. The risk of developing ITP is increased in those with HIV, H. pylori infections or Hepatitis C.
Other causes of ITP may include antibiotics, medicines that are used to treat inflammation or antiviral medications. Some viral or bacterial infections are suspected of triggering the immune system to attack the platelets.
In some cases, children may develop ITP following a viral infection, but it typically resolves without treatment. Another rare factor that may increase the risk of ITP in children is the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.
What Symptoms Should I Be Aware Of?
ITP may present with a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all. One very visible symptom is purple bruises or small reddish-purple rash-like dots on the skin. These rash-like dots are known as petechiae and occur mainly on the lower legs. When the bleeding into the skin is more than petechiae, it is known as purpura. Other tell-tale symptoms include becoming easily bruised and otherwise unexplained bleeding from the gums or nose.
In women, ITP may mean a heavier-than-normal menstrual flow. For both sexes, ITP may mean blood in the urine or stool; when blood is present in stool or urine, a visit to your doctor is always warranted.
Understanding ITP Treatments
ITP, or Immune Thrombocytopenia, was once known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. It can present as an acute or short-term illness or a chronic condition. Typically, ITP lasts for a few months, less than six. If it lasts longer than six months, it is considered chronic. ITP affects women much more often than men but mainly occurs in children.
If you suffer from IBS, these foods are the ones you should be avoiding.