title: Alternate considerations for current concepts in ITP.
abstract: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is one of the most common forms of autoimmune disease affecting both adults and children. In recent years, there have been tremendous developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of this condition. However, certain concepts related to ITP are worth consideration in view of alternative explanations and evidence available. These include (i) ITP is a disorder where thrombocytopenia is induced by autoantibodies against platelets or megakaryocytes, (ii) the mechanism of action of corticosteroids in ITP is through suppression of these autoantibodies, (iii) splenectomy is effective in ITP since spleen is the site of platelet destruction, and (iv) splenectomized ITP patients are at a major risk of infections.
authors.forename: Jecko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thachil
mesh_terms: D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000071120:ADAMTS13 Protein; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001323:Autoantibodies; D051722:ADAM Proteins; D000071120:ADAMTS13 Protein; C099604:ADAMTS13 protein, human