Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Overview with report of a case

Abstract

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disorder associated with a decrease in the number of circulating platelets due to abnormal increased platelet destruction attributed to an autoimmune phenomenon. It is a common cause of thrombocytopenia resulting in bleeding complications in children and adults. ITP is a disorder where the patient may present with oral manifestations, like bleeding, petechia, ecchymosis, hematomas and may report initially to the dentist. It is important for the practitioner to evaluate patients with bleeding disorders and subject them to appropriate laboratory investigatory procedures. A knowledge of dental treatment modifications and use of various local hemostatic measures is a must for the general dental practitioner. This article reports a case of thrombocytopenia in an adult male who reported with a complaint of hemorrhagic bullae and spontaneous bleeding in the oral cavity along with an overview of diagnosis, treatment modalities and dental considerations for such patents.

Keywords

• Bleeding
• Ecchymosis
• Hematomas
• Purpura
• Thrombocytopenia