Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disorder in which the destruction of autologous platelets is mediated by autoantibodies directed against platelet-surface constituents. 1 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. 2 3 4 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. 1 The functional state of the reticuloendothelial system may influence the rate of cell destruction in individual patients. 5 We recently encountered a patient who had severe, life-threatening thrombocytopenia after . . .