Thrombocytopenia, Essential

Synonyms

• TTP

Disorder Subdivisions

• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
• ITP
• Werlhof's Disease
• Purpura Hemorrhagica
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
• Moschowitz Disease, Essential
• Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
• HUS

General Discussion

Essential thrombocytopenia is a rare blood disease characterized by reduced levels of platelets in the circulating blood. Platelets are essential to blood-clotting and, if they are in short supply, bleeding may occur that can become life-threatening. The platelets are produced in the bone marrow and may be in reduced supply because of (1) impaired or reduced platelet production in the marrow, (2) increased destruction of platelets faster than they can be replaced by the marrow, or (3) the presence of one of several genetic disorders. There are also false thrombocytopenias. Major symptoms include a tendency to bleed excessively into the skin or mucous membranes, especially during menstruation, nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

Resources

Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius Syndrome Association
212 Sherwood Drive
RD 1
Linwood, NJ 08221-9745
Tel: (609)927-0418
Email: tarsa@aol.com

NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Tel: (301)592-8573
Fax: (301)251-1223
Email: nhlbiinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 3/28/2006
Copyright 1988, 1989, 1992, 1998, 2006 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.