Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treatment Information
- By:Juliet Cohen
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), also known as self thrombocytopenic purpura. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a condition in which bleeding blood does not clot as it should. The platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that stop by the loss of blood clumping together at the site of injury to a blood vessel and form plugs holes in the ship. People with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, because of their low platelet count, tend to bleed and bruise more easily injured. Bleeding from the nose and bleeding gums are also common. In adults, women are affected approximately 3 times more frequently than
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is often divided into two categories: acute and chronic. It occurs mainly in children, boys and girls, and is the most common type of ITP. Chronic ITP lasts more than six months and is more prevalent among adults. Chronic ITP affects women 2 to 3 times more often than men. ITP does not run in families. Treatment of ITP in adults is aimed at increasing the blood platelet count. Immunosuppresants like mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine are becoming more popular for their effectiveness. Rituximab has also been used successfully for some patients. Extreme cases may require vincristine.
A chemotherapy agent, to stop the immune system from destroying platelets. Steroids help prevent bleeding by decreasing the rate of platelet destruction. Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG) is a protein that contains many antibodies and also slows the destruction of platelets. Other possible treatments may include the use of immunosuppressant drugs such as rituximab (Rituxan) the safest and most commonly used of this group cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), azathioprine (Imuran) or vinca alkaloids (Vincasar, Velban). Avoid medications that contain aspirin, as they may interfere with the body 's ability to control bleeding.
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Steroids help prevent bleeding by decreasing the rate of platelet destruction.
2. High-dose gamma globulin (an immune factor) injections are helpful.
3. Rituximab has also been used successfully treatment of this condition.
4. Vincristine, a chemotherapy agent, to stop the immune system from destroying platelets.
5. Teenage girls may need to take hormones therapy to stop their menstrual cycle.
6. Passing the blood over a protein A column , which filters antibodies out of the blood stream.About the author:
Juliet Cohen writes article for Home Remedies. She also writes articles for Makeup and Skin Care.