Words to know: ITP (low platelets)
- Platelets
- Tiny blood cells that help blood clot and stop bleeding.
- Thrombocytopenia
- A low platelet count.
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
- A condition where the immune system destroys platelets and slows their production.
- Autoimmune
- When the immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells.
- Antibody
- A protein made by the immune system. In ITP, antibodies attack platelets by mistake.
- Spleen
- An organ under the left ribs that filters blood and helps fight infection. In ITP it removes platelets.
- Bone marrow
- The soft tissue inside bones where blood cells, including platelets, are made.
- Petechiae
- Tiny red or purple dots on the skin caused by small bleeds. A common sign of low platelets.
- Purpura
- Larger purple patches on the skin from bleeding under the skin.
- Remission
- When platelets return to a safe level and stay there without treatment.
- Chronic ITP
- ITP that lasts longer than 12 months.
- Corticosteroids
- Medicines, like prednisone or dexamethasone, that calm the immune system.
- IVIG
- Intravenous immune globulin. An infusion of antibodies from donors that quickly raises platelets for a short time.
- TPO receptor agonist
- A medicine that tells the bone marrow to make more platelets.
- Thrombopoietin (TPO)
- A natural hormone that tells the bone marrow to make platelets.
- Rituximab
- An IV antibody medicine that lowers the immune cells that make platelet antibodies.
- Splenectomy
- Surgery to remove the spleen.
- Placebo
- A pill or treatment with no active medicine, used to compare results in a trial.
- Tranexamic acid
- A medicine that helps blood clots hold together and slows bleeding.
- Evans syndrome
- A rare condition where the immune system attacks both platelets and red blood cells.
- Hematologist
- A doctor who specializes in blood conditions.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.