What Disease Kills Platelets?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disease that destroys platelets. ITP is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, crucial blood cells involved in clotting. This leads to a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), increasing the risk of bleeding.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells produced in the bone marrow. Their primary function is to help stop bleeding by forming blood clots. In ITP, the immune system produces antibodies that target and destroy these essential platelets. This process leads to a decreased platelet count, resulting in various bleeding symptoms.
Symptoms of ITP
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
- Internal bleeding (less common but serious)
Causes of ITP
While the exact cause of ITP isn't fully understood, it's believed to be an autoimmune reaction. The immune system malfunctions, targeting and destroying its own platelets. This can occur spontaneously (idiopathic ITP) or be triggered by certain factors, including:
- Viral infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain medications
Treatment for ITP
Treatment focuses on increasing platelet counts and managing bleeding. Options include:
- Corticosteroids to suppress the immune system
- Immunoglobulin therapy to boost platelet levels
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) in some cases
- Targeted therapies to modulate the immune response
The provided references consistently identify Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) as a primary disease leading to platelet destruction. Other conditions can also cause low platelet counts, but ITP is a leading example directly linked to the immune system's destruction of platelets.
