Letter to the Editor

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Individuals Older than 75 Years: A Rare Series

Authors: Abrar-Ahmad Zulfiqar, MD

Abstract

To the Editor: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), currently referred to as primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura, is an autoimmune disease linked to the presence of autoantibodies responsible for the peripheral destruction and central inhibition of platelet growth.1 Bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets, the cells that help blood coagulate.2 Treatment of ITP is based on the recommendations of experts2; however, in 2017, no such recommendations exist for adults older than 75 years.

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References

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2. Mayo Clinic. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): overview. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/home/ovc-20201208. Accessed June 29, 2017.
 
3. British Committee for Standards in Haematology, General Haematology Task Force. Guidelines for the investigation and management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, children and in pregnancy. Br J Haematol 2003;120:574-596.
 
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