A Case of Ipt

A Case of IPT

Directions: Go to this website: http://www.sciencecases.org/itp/itp.asp

Read the case study, and answer the following questions.

1. How and where are platelets produced in the body?

Platelets are produced in the bone marrow. They are produced by large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.

2. Describe the role played by platelets in hemostasis.

The role played by platelets in hemostasis is to agglutinate and plug small ruptured vessels.

3. Define thrombocytopenia and list the more common causes of this condition.

Thrombocytopenia is and abnormal drop in the number of blood cells involved in forming blood clots. Some causes can be abnormalities that occur in any of the following process such as decreased platelet production by the bone marrow.

4. What are the potential consequences of a low platelet count?

The potential consequences of a low platelet count can cause someone to have tiny red spots on the arms and legs, easy bruising, bleeding gums, blood in the urine or stool, and internal bleeding.

5. What drugs have been associated with the development of thrombocytopenia?

The type of drugs that have been associated with the development of thrombocytopenia includes heparin some oral drugs, quinidine, quinine, and sulfa containing antibiotics.

6. How is thrombocytopenia treated in individuals diagnosed with the condition?

Usually they would get spleen surgery, or get plasma transplant.

7. How might removal of the spleen (splenectomy) result in an increase in the number of circulating platelets?

If the spleen was to be removed then there might not be a production of protective humoral antibodies aimed at the autoantibody and platelets will most likely go up.

8. What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys the platelet that is normal for...