Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Overview

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (id-ee-oh-PATH-ik throm-bo-sigh-toe-PEE-nik PUR-pu-ruh), or ITP, is a blood-clotting disorder. Idiopathic means the cause is unknown, thrombocytopenia means too few blood platelets and purpura means purple, so called because you may have purple spots (bruises) on your skin. If you don't have enough platelets, your blood can't clot properly and you may have abnormal bruising and bleeding.

Doctors will diagnose your low platelet count as ITP only when they have ruled out other causes. ITP can be short term (acute), especially in children, or long term (chronic). Mild cases may not require treatment.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for ITP

• Expertise and experience. You'll benefit from the expertise of Mayo Clinic's skilled hematologists, who have significant experience in diagnosing and treating ITP.
• Team approach. Your team of experts will include hematologists, pathologists who specialize in diseases of the blood and blood cells (hematopathologists), and other specialists as needed.
• Newest technology and research. Mayo doctors use the latest technology and are involved in research to improve treatment for ITP.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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Read more about ITP.

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