In 2020, September 21-25 will be recognized as Global Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Awareness Week. The week will aim to help spread awareness about ITP around the world both in the medical field and to the general public. Spreading awareness about immune thrombocytopenia is more important than ever before in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
About Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) describes a condition of abnormally low platelet count in bone marrow that is otherwise normal without any recognizable external cause. Platelets play an essential role in forming blood clots in order to halt wound bleeding. Immune thrombocytopenia is known as an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the body; antibodies that target surface antigens found on platelets are the telltale sign. Symptoms of the condition include purpura (small purplish skin rashes), excessive menstrual bleeding in women, bleeding from the gums and/or nose, small bruises called petechiae, and blood masses (hematomas) on mucosal surfaces. In severe cases of the condition, very low platelet counts can lead to potentially lethal internal bleeding. Treatment, which is usually only recommended when severe bleeding occurs, may include steroids, IVIg, surgical removal of the spleen, and platelet transfusion. To learn more about immune thrombocytopenia, click here.
Are you interested in helping increase awareness about ITP this year? Well you’re in luck, because the International ITP Alliance has provided an array of resources that make it easy for anyone to get involved.
Get involved in this year’s #global4ITP photo sharing campaign.
- Print this ITP awareness sign.
- Write down your location in the purple box.
- Make sure to wear purple…
- Then take a picture of yourself holding the sign.
- Post it on your social media platform(s) of choice using the hashtags #global4ITP and #ITPaware.
There are also a variety of resources available for download or sharing such as:
So what are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate to get involved in this year’s Global ITP Awareness Week and help improve the lives of patients that are living with this condition.
