Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that causes excessive bruising or bleeding due to the immune system destroying its own platelets and causing the inability of blood to clot. This term is defined by the presence of a platelet count below 150,000/µL, however, symptoms typically do not develop until platelet counts drop below 50,000/µL. The most common symptoms of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura include bleeding under the skin causing a rash with pinpoint red spots, bruising easily, nosebleeds or bleeding gums, unusually heavy menstrual flow in women, and in rare cases, bleeding in the brain. Adults are at risk of chronic ITP, whereas children primarily acquire acute ITP and recover within several weeks to months, even when cases are severe. Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura, though in severe cases a platelet transfusion may be necessary.
According to the Centers for Disease Control website, “there has been growing concern that the live virus MMR vaccination is associated with an increased incidence of ITP.” In addition to the MMR vaccine, other vaccines may also cause the onset of ITP.
If you or a loved one started experiencing ITP in the weeks or months after receiving a vaccine, please contact our Vaccine Injury Attorneys.