Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disorder in which the destruction of autologous platelets is mediated by autoantibodies directed against platelet-surface constituents.
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...Glycoproteins IIb and IIIa, which exist in the platelet membrane in a 1:1 complex (IIb-IIIa), appear to be the main target molecules for these autoantibodies.
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The destruction of autologous platelets is thought to result from the ingestion of autoantibody-coated platelets by phagocytic cells in the spleen and other organs.
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The functional state of the reticuloendothelial system may influence the rate of cell destruction in individual patients.
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We recently encountered a patient who had severe, life-threatening thrombocytopenia after . . .
