September: Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) Awareness Month
In recognition of September as Childhood Cancer, Sickle Cell Disease, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and Histiocytosis Awareness Month, The Periwinkle Foundation is launching a month-long series of stories, articles, engagement opportunities and posts. Follow along on Periwinkle’s Facebook and Instagram for daily features highlighting these life-threatening illnesses and the ways in which Periwinkle provides a community of healing for children and families cared for at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers.
What is Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?
The Immune Hematology Program is one of the newest programs within the Texas Children’s Hematology Center. According to Texas Children’s Hospital, “Immune thrombocytopenia, more commonly known as ITP, is a disorder that results in low platelets. Platelets are the cells circulating in the blood that help control bleeding by forming a blood clot. ITP occurs in both adults and children. In children, it often develops after exposure to a viral infection and is caused by the immune system becoming dysregulated, or confused.” Each year, Texas Children’s Hospital sees 60-70 new patients with ITP while also following over 250 patients with the disorder.
To learn more about Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura, symptoms, treatment, and research, browse these resources provided by the Immune Hematology Program at Texas Children’s Hematology Center.
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): A Comprehensive Overview
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) 101 with Dr. Jenny Despotovic
- The Immune Hematology Program at Texas Children’s Hematology Center
- Immune Hematology: Areas of Research – ITP cause, treatment, diagnosis, and therapy
Patients and families at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers are connected to the Periwinkle community of healing through a series of year-round Periwinkle camps, the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, and the Periwinkle adult Long Term Survivor program. Texas Children’s Hospital featured an article on their blog highlighting the impact of Periwinkle programming on one specific family.
Read it here: