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Blood and immune system diseases

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

A blood disease in which the immune system destroys blood platelets. These tiny cells are called platelets. Their number falls, and easy bruising and bleeding occur.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Orphanet has a guideline for emergency doctors for this disease (language: French, Spanish). See on Orphanet

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Blood and immune system diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

The immune system makes antibodies against platelets by mistake. Platelets are tiny cells that help the blood to clot. Platelets carrying antibodies are destroyed, mostly in the spleen. When their number falls, easy bruising and bleeding occur. In children, it often begins after a viral infection.

Which symptoms can occur?

Symptoms are usually seen on the skin and in the mouth. As the platelet count falls, the risk of bleeding rises.

  • Easy or spontaneous bruising
  • Tiny pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
  • Blood blisters in the mouth
  • Heavy or long menstrual periods
  • Blood in the urine, vomit or stool (less often)
  • Tiredness
  • Bleeding inside the brain (rare)

How is it diagnosed?

The platelet count is checked with a full blood count. In a blood smear, the cells are examined under a microscope. For the diagnosis, other causes of low platelets are ruled out. If needed, a bone marrow examination is done.

Treatment and care

In most children, the disease gets better on its own within a year. This is why close follow-up is often enough for children. If needed, medicines that suppress the immune system or antibody treatment through a vein are given. Medicines that increase platelet production are also an important option. For some people, removing the spleen may be considered. Some painkillers that can increase bleeding are not recommended. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

ITP is not an inherited disease. It happens when the immune system attacks the body's own cells. Usually no one else in the family is affected. If several people in the family have low platelets, an inborn platelet disorder is also considered. In this case, genetic counselling can help.

Source: MedlinePlus: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) · NORD: Immune Thrombocytopenia

Key facts

How common is it?
Prevalence: 1-5 per 10 000 (Europe)
How is it inherited?
Not inherited
When does it usually start?
Any age
Reliable sources
Orphanet

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about ITP

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 118 active interventional studies for this disease. 77 are recruiting now; 11 have sites in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Blood and immune system diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

Orphanet code: ORPHA:3002 · ICD-11 3B64.10

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 7, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.