Autoimmune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura

Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP), also referred to as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is a common clinical disorder of immune regulation seen more often in females than males (3:1). Autoantibody (usually 7S IgG) is produced against platelets and, possibly, megakaryocytes, leading to the phagocytic destruction of these cells. The resultant thrombocytopenia induces purpura and haemorrhage if the platelet count reaches a critical level (usually <30000/μL). The disease is often complicated by the transfer of anti-platelet antibody across the placenta with resultant neonatal thrombocytopenia, purpura, and haemorrhage. Because of the immunological nature of the disorder, in which the host's immune system destroys the host's platelets (figure 1) I and others recommend that the term “idiopathic” be replaced by “autoimmune”. 1 Karpatkin S Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. Semin Hematol. 1985; 22: 260-288 PubMed Google Scholar