Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: an Auto immune Disease Associated with Low Platelets Count in Children

Abstract

Background and objectives Immune thrombocytopenic purpura or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an auto immune disease which characterized by low platelet count in the presence of a normal bone marrow function. This disease caused by development of of auto- antibodies against several platelets surface structures which leads to platelets destruction. The disease occurs in two conditions: an acute form in children and chronic illness in adults. The acute form often follows viral infections and self limited within few months. The valuable diagnosis of this disease is done by identifying a low platelet count on a complete blood count test to exclusion the other possible causes of thrombocytopenia. This study aimed at measuring Platelets count of Paediatric patients from two different medical centers in Tripoli, Libya, and investigating the relationship between ITP incidence and viral infection in children. Materials and Methods: This study was carried in the period from June to October 2018. A total of 700 whole blood samples from two different medical centers were collected and investigated for absolute platelet count using a complete blood analyzer according to the standard Haematological procedures. Results: out of 700 samples, 77 cases (11%) of ITP were detected. All those 77 ITP cases had normal bone marrow function results, and they attended to these medical centers as a result of different viral infections(p=0.03) and they never used any medications that may associated with low platelets count. 100% of cases were self-limited within few months. ITP incidence was significantly higher in patients aged 1-5 years (p=0.02). Conclusion: Some viral infections may lead to Immune thrombocytopenic purpura because of developing anti-platelets auto antibodies, and most of cases return to normal platelets counts.