[Differential diagnosis and therapy of immune thrombocytopenia]

Immune thrombocytopenia is caused by autoantibodies against surface antigens on platelets. Since only about 50 % of cases will allow the identification of glycoprotein-specific antibodies, ITP remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Apart from EDTA-induced pseudo thrombocytopenia, other diseases like secondary thrombocytopenia due to medication, a large number of other disease and hereditary thrombocytopenias must be taken into account. The first-line therapy of ITP includes corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. The second line consists of thrombopoietin receptor agonists, rituximab, or splenectomy. For further lines of therapy, Fostamatinib and non-steroidal immunosuppressives are available.