Causes And Risk Factors For Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Gender

Gender is widely thought to be a risk factor for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and it has been estimated adult females are two to three times more likely than men to be affected. A study has demonstrated childhood ITP appears more frequently in males.

At least seven percent of pregnant women experience decreased levels of platelets. It typically does not affect the baby, but doctors have to be mindful that conditions such as HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia might be causing the low platelet count. Platelet levels usually return to normal following the baby’s birth. In some cases, a baby born to a woman with ITP will have low platelets in their blood. However, this can be treated. If an individual's platelet count is extremely low, the doctor might give them a transfusion.

Viral Infection

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura can also occur following the aftermath of infectious agents in the body. This is most common in children ages two to six with an acute form of short-term idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Symptoms of this form typically last for less than six months, and many children who have had acute ITP have recovered without treatment.

The child might experience a little bit of bleeding, so monitoring is necessary. The doctor could also prescribe corticosteroids or give the child intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) or anti-D immune globulin. Children can develop acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura at least several days or weeks after the diagnosis of a viral infection. A child may be vulnerable to ITP if they have previously developed a condition such as hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus, influenza, rubella, rotavirus, chickenpox, varicella-zoster virus, measles, or mumps. Hepatitis A and B are also regarded as risk factors.