What is Thrombocytopenic Purpura – definition and treatment

This disease is characterized by small, spontaneous hemorrhages into the skin. the mucous membrane, and other tissues of the body. It occurs most often in females under the age of twelve.

Symptoms. Bleeding may be from the nose or mouth, and there may be black-and-blue marks over the surface of the body. It may be due to infection. drugs, diseases, vitamin deficiency, or no particular cause may be found for it. There is usually a lack of platelets in the peripheral blood, which produces a defect in the clotting mechanism. Since clots do not form at the torn capillaries, bleeding time is prolonged.

Treatment. Newer drugs, such as ACTH and cortisone, have been used with limited success. Occasionally, removal of the spleen is required in Ion, –standing cases.