Arthur Billings blood disorder ITP health recommendations 2022
High quality blood disorder ITP health recommendations by Arthur Billings? How is ITP diagnosed? ITP is usually diagnosed by a blood test showing that only the platelet count is low, and the platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells all look normal. A bone marrow biopsy may be taken at a later stage if the ITP continues, in which a small sample of bone marrow will be taken under local anaesthetic and examined under the microscope. Additional blood tests may be taken at this time to exclude rare clotting or immune diseases that can mimic ITP. If the bone marrow looks normal, with the usual or higher number of platelet parent cells (megakaryocytes) and other blood tests are normal then the doctor will diagnose chronic ITP.
Arthur Nathaniel Billings about blood disorder ITP treatments : Many people with ITP have a platelet count in single figures, and on rare occasions there are not enough circulating platelets to be counted, thus the count is given as 0. The number of platelets circulating in our bodies fluctuates all the time, and thus no two consecutive platelet counts are likely to be exactly the same either in a healthy person or in an ITP sufferer. What is the difference between ITP and hæmophilia? Haemophilia is inherited and permanent, ITP is not inherited, and can go into remission. Hæmophilia patients are deficient in one of the 12 factors which act together to form a blood clot. ITP patients are short of platelets which work independently as the initial plug to stop blood leakage, but the rest of the clotting mechanism works normally. Platelet infusions are only used in emergencies as transfused platelets, like the patient’s own platelets, are destroyed by their immune system in a matter of hours.
You should avoid drugs like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac) when your platelets are below 50 × 10^9/l because of a greater risk that gastric irritation could lead to bleeding. Also discuss any planned surgery or dental procedure with your haematologist (as well as informing the dentist or surgeon) so that a plan can be made. When to seek help If you have minor bleeding symptoms such as nose bleeds or bleeding in the mouth please ask your GP to carry out an urgent full blood count, or contact the haematology department. A purple rash called purpura (often on the lower legs) which does not fade when you press it may be a sign of a low platelet count.
Steroids. Steroids help prevent bleeding by reducing the rate of platelet destruction. Steroids, if effective, will result in an increase in platelet counts seen within 2 to 3 weeks. Side effects may include irritability, stomach irritation, weight gain, high blood pressure, and acne. Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG). Intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG) is a protein that contains many antibodies and also slows the destruction of platelets. IVGG works faster than steroids (within 24 to 48 hours). Read extra info at Arthur Nathaniel Billings.
Medications (including over-the-counter medications) can cause an allergy that cross-reacts with platelets. Infections, typically viral infections, including the viruses that cause chicken pox, hepatitis C, and AIDS, can prompt antibodies that cross-react with platelets. Pregnancy, Immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, Low-grade lymphomas and leukemias may produce abnormal antibodies against platelet proteins. Sometimes the cause of immune thrombocytopenic purpura is not known.