Immune thrombocytopenia

The ITP service looks after patients who have been diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia. This is an autoimmune condition defined by low platelet count (<100 x10^9/L) and an increased risk of bleeding. 

Fatal bleeding is rare, the fatality rate from bleeding increases with age and occurs more frequently in elderly patients and in those with severe thrombocytopenia. 

Treatment for ITP is strictly individualised, however, specific therapy may not be necessary unless the platelet count is markedly reduced. Most current guidelines suggest treatment is considered when platelets <30x109 /L or there is extensive bleeding. The major goal for treatment of ITP is to provide a safe platelet count (i.e. one that prevents bleeding or a specific target needed for a procedure).

Treatment for ITP is considered appropriate for symptomatic patients and for those at significant risk of bleeding.

The haematology team is made up of doctors and nurses and together we look after patients at The Royal London, St Bartholemew’s, Newham and Whipps Cross hospitals. The Royal London hospital is also a tertiary referral centre with complex patients from other hospitals referred to our care. 

There is a specialist multidisciplinary ITP clinic at The Royal London hospital for patients with ITP with consultant, trainees and nursing support. There is the opportunity for patients to be entered into clinical trials and be part of the UK ITP registry, which is hosted by Barts Health. 

Patients at other sites (Newham and Whipps Cross hospitals) are managed in the general haematology clinic.