immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Definition / meaning of immune thrombocytopenic purpura

A condition in which platelets (blood cells that cause blood clots to form) are destroyed by the immune system. The low platelet count causes easy bruising and bleeding, which may be seen as purple areas in the skin, mucous membranes, and outer linings of organs. Also called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and ITP.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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