Also called:

• autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
• idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• primary thrombocytopenic purpura

Pathophysiology

A condition where antibodies are created against platelets causing an immune response = destruction of platelets and a low platelet count

Antibodies are directed against the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa or Ib-V-IX complex. It is an example of a type II hypersensitivity reaction.

Epidemiology - More common in older females

PC

• may be detected incidentally following routine bloods
• symptomatic patients may present with
  • petichae, purpura
  • bleeding (e.g. epistaxis)
  • catastrophic bleeding (e.g. intracranial) is not a common presentation

Investigations

• FBC - low platelets
• blood film