Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case of particular historic interest

Abstract

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disease in which the blood platelets are affected by autoantibodies and are removed from the bloodstream by the spleen and other reticuloendothelial tissue. The resulting bleeding disorder may be a transient sequel to childhood viral infections, but in other circumstances it is a prolonged and serious disease of children and adults. A case is reported of the first successful treatment of chronic ITP in England. It highlights the characteristics of the disease and an unusual complication.