Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura, which may lead to bleeding, is typically caused by antibodies directed against the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. Since the management of the disorder is different for children and adults, the authors of this up-to-date review provide separate sections on the two age groups. Along with advances in management, they also discuss the current understanding of pathophysiology and, in particular, the way in which autoantibodies against platelets are generated.