Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder in which
antiplatelet autoantibodies bind to antigens on the surface of platelets, resulting in their
destruction. The newer antigen-specific (phase III) assays can detect platelet-associated and
plasma autoantibodies in approximately 75% and 50% of patients, respectively. Antiplatelet
autoantibodies bind to both platelets and megakaryocytes and preliminary evidence
suggests that they not only cause platelet destruction but can also decrease platelet …