Idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura (itp)
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder, characterised by the destruction of platelets by antibodies. The cause is unknown, but it is thought that some kinds of viral infections prompt the malfunctioning of the immune system.
There are two broad categories of ITP: one that usually resolves by itself with time, and the other that lingers beyond six months. ITP is more common among children than adults, with the peak incidence around two to four years of age. Estimates suggest that one in every 10,000 children is affected. Among adults, young women are more likely to develop ITP than any other group, for reasons unknown.