Thrombocytopenia or ITP is also called Immune (Idiopathic) Thrombocytopenic Purpura. This is a blood disorder in which the body mounts an immune attack against it's own platelets and these are then destroyed in the spleen. As a result of this the platelet count in the blood goes down. Hence, ITP is an autoimmune disease.
Platelets are cells in our blood that help with sealing of small cuts and wounds and with clotting of blood, and so they prevent bleeding. Platelet count can be checked by a simple blood test. Normal platelet count is higher than 150,000/mm3. When the platelet count in our blood goes down very low, there can be spontaneous bleeding and/or bruising. ITP presents as small purple spots on the skin called petechiae, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and very rarely other serious bleeding.
We don't know what causes ITP, but it can occur randomly in otherwise healthy children, usually after a viral infection. Sometimes medications, vaccinations, and other immune disorders like lupus can be associated with ITP. It is not a contagious condition. In most children, ITP is acute (sudden onset, often temporary) and self-resolving over a few months. In about 20% of children it becomes chronic (lasting for more than one year). There is no definitive test for ITP, but doctors can eliminate other diseases that cause bleeding, by the child's presentation, physical examination, and some blood tests.
ITP generally resolves on it's own in children, so your hematologist may just recommend monitoring of platelet count, some precautions to avoid trauma, and watchful waiting. Sometimes, treatment may be needed and your hematologist will discuss the risks and benefits of treatment. Commonly used treatments are prednisone, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), and anti-Rho (D) immune globulin.