Why do patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) experience lower bleeding events despite thrombocytopenia?

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune condition characterized by an isolated thrombocytopenia. Despite the low platelet levels, severe bleeding episodes are relatively rare suggesting that patients with ITP may have a protective factor against bleeding. Platelet microparticles (PMP) are thought to play a role in clot formation and some studies have demonstrated higher levels of circulating PMP in patients with ITP. This article provides a review of the epidemiology, mechanism, clinical presentation, management, and prognosis of ITP as well as a review of the literature and discussion regarding PMP and bleeding risk in ITP patients.

Keywords: Bleeding risk; Immune thrombocytopenia; Platelet microparticles.