Chronic idiopathic thrombocytogenic purpura.

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a relatively common cause of an acquired hemostatic defect. It is important for family physicians to recognize this disorder, because of its insidious onset and the fact that it most commonly affects women of childbearing age. Chronic ITP is due to an antibody in the plasma which attaches to platelets and leads to their destruction in the reticuloendothelial system. The antibody can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. Although the condition may not disappear, in the vast majority of patients it can be controlled with current therapy, including prednisone, splenectomy and immunosuppressive agents. Although the mortality rate is low, patients with severe thrombocytopenia may have significant bleeding problems requiring special measures such as platelet transfusions, intravenous gammaglobulin, plasmapheresis and emergency splenectomy. Upon diagnosis, these patients should be referred to a large, specialized centre.