Am I eligible for vaccine injury compensation?
What Is Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, is a blood disorder in which the platelets drop significantly below normal levels. Because platelets are what help blood to clot, ITP can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising, and, in some cases, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.
ITP usually occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys blood platelets. If the cause of this immune reaction is unknown, the condition is called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
When children develop ITP, it’s generally from a viral illness, and they often fully recover without treatment. However, when adults get ITP, they usually require treatment and take longer to recover.
What Causes ITP?
A few common ITP causes include viral infections, autoimmune disorders, blood cancers, bacterial infections, or any other conditions that lead to a decline in platelets. In some cases, ITP can also be a genetic disorder.
What vaccines are known to cause ITP?
Several vaccines have been linked to ITP, including:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus or Pertussis (DTap, DT, Td, Tdap, DTP-Hib)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV or PCV13)
ITP can be serious, and you might be eligible for vaccine injury compensation. Take our free quiz now to find out if you qualify.
What Are Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Symptoms?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura symptoms can differ based on one’s platelet levels, and, in some cases, ITP can cause no symptoms. If platelet levels become low enough, symptoms can include:
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Blood in the urine or feces
- Blotches and bruises (called purpura)
- Heavier or longer periods during menstruation
- Red spots on the skin called petechiae. This usually occurs on the legs, feet, abdomen, buttocks and arms. Some people with ITP may have petechiae in their mouths.
How Is ITP diagnosed?
ITP is most commonly diagnosed through blood tests, which can identify the number of platelets in the body. If the platelet count is below 150,000, ITP may be the diagnosis. In addition to the blood test, your doctor may also order bone marrow aspiration or bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In bone marrow aspiration, a doctor withdraws a sample of liquid bone marrow with a fine needle to check for cells that may not be working properly. In bone marrow biopsy, a doctor removes a sample of bone marrow tissue to review the number and types of cells within the bone marrow.
How Is ITP treated?
Typically, children with ITP require less treatment and recovery time than adults. However, if the condition is severe or persists, it should be treated regardless of a person’s age. This treatment may include oral and intravenous (IV) medicines to increase platelet counts, platelet transfusions, removal of the spleen, or lifestyle changes. Being careful to prevent injuries, especially to the head, and avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen are simple lifestyle changes that can protect from bleeding.
Am I Eligible For Vaccine Injury Compensation?
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) includes IPT as a covered injury.
If you or a loved one has developed ITP as a result of a vaccine, take our vaccine eligibility quiz to see if you qualify for compensation. Our experienced vaccine injury attorneys can file a claim for you with the VICP at no cost to you.