Immune thrombocytopenic purpura ITP

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura ITP is characterized by early platelet destruction due to an imbalanced immune response. In acute ITP, a transient increase of HLA-DR molecules has been detected while in individuals with chronic ITP, in addition, increased serum concentrations of IL-2 and other cytokines reflecting in vivo T-cell activation have been observed. Clinically, the hemorrhagic manifestation of ITP rather than the platelet count should define the indication for active intervention. In a staging system a patient with stage III has bleeding signs and platelet counts below 10 or 20 x 10(9)/L and needs treatment, a patient with stage II should be treated on an individual level (prevention of bleeding) and a patient with stage I (no bleeding, platelet count above 50 x 10(9)/L) should be observed only.