The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia in Hematology

Long term management of autoimmune platelet destruction beyond twelve months

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia in Hematology?

Chronic immune thrombocytopenia is defined by isolated thrombocytopenia under one hundred billion per liter persisting more than twelve months without secondary causes. Pathophysiology involves autoantibody mediated platelet destruction by splenic macrophages and impaired platelet production from megakaryocyte injury.

Treatment thresholds depend on bleeding rather than platelet count. Asymptomatic patients with platelets above thirty often need no therapy, while bleeding or platelets under twenty typically require treatment. First line corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin produce transient responses in many adults.

Long term options include thrombopoietin receptor agonists eltrombopag, romiplostim, and avatrombopag, the spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor fostamatinib, rituximab, and splenectomy reserved for refractory cases. Treatment selection considers bleeding history, comorbidity, and patient preference.

Symptoms

Petechiae and purpura on legs
Easy bruising with minor trauma
Mucosal bleeding from gums or nose
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Rare intracranial hemorrhage when platelets are very low

Risk Factors

Female sex in middle adulthood
Background autoimmune disease
Recent viral infection or vaccination
Helicobacter pylori infection in some populations
Previous immune thrombocytopenia history

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When platelet count falls below thirty
  • When mucosal bleeding develops
  • When heavy menses cause anemia
  • When pregnancy is planned with low platelets
  • When response is lost on chronic therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Confirmation by exclusion of secondary causes
02
Treatment driven by bleeding rather than count
03
Corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin first line
04
Thrombopoietin receptor agonists for chronic disease
05
Rituximab or fostamatinib for refractory cases
06
Splenectomy in selected refractory patients
07
Avoidance of antiplatelet drugs and contact sports

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Hematoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.