Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia

Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia is a rare, often chronic bleeding disorder where reduced numbers of platelets (cells that stop or prevent bleeding) can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising, and an impaired quality of life, especially due to severe fatigue and fear about the condition. 

Beyond physical symptoms, ITP can impact patients’ social life, emotional well-being, and concentration, and is associated with an increased risk of serious infection and financial strain due to healthcare costs.

200K

>200,000 are estimated to have ITP globally¹

The Journey to a Diagnosis

Diagnosis relies on excluding other possible causes of bleeding and low platelet count. No one test can prove the diagnosis, and healthcare providers may do a variety of tests to rule out possibilities.

Symptoms²

Patients with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) experience a wide range of symptoms. Some patients have minimal to no symptoms, while others may experience symptoms ranging from bruises to external bleeding – such as nose bleeds and bleeding gums – to internal bleeding. ITP can also lead to debilitating fatigue and can impact mental health.

Symptoms of ITP can include:

Intracranial hemorrhage

Menorrhagia

Gum bleeding

Mucosal bleeding

Purpura

Severe bruising or bleeding

Blood blisters in mouth

Severe fatigue

85%

of patients

reported that ITP reduced their energy levels.³

75%

of patients

reported that ITP symptoms limited their ability to perform daily tasks.³

How does Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Happen?²

ITP occurs when the immune system produces IgG antibodies that destroy platelets and reduce platelet production. In primary ITP, the trigger of the autoimmune response is not known. There is another form of ITP, called secondary ITP, which results from another underlying condition.

Patient Stories

I still struggle with fatigue but continue to work, and I’m fortunate to have understanding colleagues, so I can take care of myself.
– Dina, Living with ITP

I still struggle with fatigue but continue to work, and I’m fortunate to have understanding colleagues, so I can take care of myself.

– Dina, ITP patient 

Clinical Trials

Explore our ongoing clinical trials for ITP.

Advance NEXT (ITP)

Program:
Efgartigimod

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Arm Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Efgartigimod IV in Adult Participants with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia.

More information

Resources

For more information on this disease, please find here additional resources and links to advocacy organizations.

International ATP Alliance
The intercontinental partnership of ITP patient support organizations committed to education, awareness, and establishing a global voice for immune thrombocytopenia patients.
https://www.globalitp.org 

Platelet Disorders Support Association (PDSA)
The PDSA is a patient-founded organization founded in 1998 to educate and empower those with immune thrombocytopenia and other platelet disorders.
www.pdsa.org

References:

National Library of Medicine. 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7675129/.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Mayo Clinic. 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/idiopathic-thrombocytopenic-purpura/symptoms-causes/syc-20352325.
Cooper, N., Kruse, A., Kruse, C., Watson, S., Morgan, M., Provan, D., Ghanima, W., Arnold. D. M., Tomiyama, Y., Santoro, C., Michel, M., Laborde, S., Lovrencic, B., Hou, M., Bailey, T., Taylor-Stokes, G., Haenig, J., & Bussel, J. B. (2021). Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) World Impact Survey (I-WISh): Impact of ITP on health-related quality of life. American journal of hematology, 96(2), 199-207. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajh.26036.

Global websites

Local websites

Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia