Definitions for "Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura"
Reduced blood platelets causing visible skin blemishes from bleeding or bruising.
An immune disorder that results in a low number of PLATELETS in the blood. A common disorder in people with HIV, it often resolves as IMMUNE DEFICIENCY worsens. HIV-related ITP usually does not have serious consequences. Its cause has not been definitely determined, but probably has to do with the large number of ANTIBODY-ANTIGEN complexes sponged up by platelets; antibody-coated platelets are destroyed in the spleen. Treatment with AZT (Zidovudine) or an INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN (IVIG) frequently alleviates the condition.
(Also idiopathic immune thrombocytopenic purpura) A condition in which the body produces antibodies against the platelets in the blood, the cells responsible for blood clotting. ITP is very common in HIV-infected people.