We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,570
References
Share

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a reduction in platelet count caused by immune hypersensitivity. It is commonly a secondary medical condition associated with an underlying medical problem like cancer, although it can also appear on its own as a primary issue. Patients with abnormal platelet counts typically need a thorough workup to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan; with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, treatment can be frustrating because the patient’s own body is essentially battling its platelets.

Hypersensitivity reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins associated with the body’s own products as foreign. It is not uncommon for such reactions to arise after an illness like cancer, where the patient’s immune system may be compromised and confused. When it spots these proteins, such as those present on the surface of a platelet, it triggers a response to destroy the associated cell. Circulating platelet counts drop because the immune system destroys them faster than they can be produced in the bone marrow.

Patients with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia can have symptoms like fatigue, pallor, and frequent bruising. Their blood doesn’t clot as well and they can be at risk of serious internal bleeding, damage to the joints, and blood loss associated with significant injuries. Transfusions of platelets can help address the immediate issue, but further diagnostic testing is necessary to find out why the patient’s immune system has decided platelets are hostile invaders.

Immunosuppressive medications like steroids can be a component of treatment for immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. These drugs blunt immune responses to allow the platelets time to recover, but doctors may not recommend them in the long-term because they can come with certain risks. For example, the patient is more vulnerable to infection and must be careful about being in environments where infectious agents are present. People may also need to avoid vaccination if their immune systems are compromised by medications.

In cases of secondary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, treating the underlying condition may allow the platelets to recover. If the patient has an autoimmune disorder, this may require lifelong medication with immunosuppressants as well as monitoring for complications. Primary cases may be more challenging to address because once the immune system starts identifying a protein as dangerous, it will continue to so. This learned immunity is critical for protection from infection throughout life, but can be inconvenient when the immune system mistakenly targets the body with its robust and often highly effective defense system.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-immune-mediated-thrombocytopenia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.