This syndrome is a variant of autoimmune thrombocytopenia, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, which can lead to bleeding and bruising.

It is a rare condition that belongs to a group of autoimmune diseases characterized by the destruction of platelets by the body. Platelets are blood cells responsible for blood clotting. In patients with this disease, the immune system mistakenly recognizes its own platelets as foreign agents and begins to attack them, leading to their destruction and a decrease in their number in the blood.

Patients may experience non-infectious bleeding such as bruising (bruising) of the skin, nose or gum bleeds, and heavy menstruation in women.

A decreased platelet count can lead to weakness and fatigue due to disruption of normal blood clotting. In some cases, when the platelet count drops significantly, bleeding in the urine or feces may occur.

Diagnosis at MDI Clinic

The doctor begins the diagnosis by talking to the patient about his or her symptoms and medical history. This includes asking about bruising, bleeding, weakness, and other symptoms characteristic of the condition.

The main stage of diagnosis is a blood test, which includes an assessment of the platelet count. Most patients with the disease are found to have low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). This test can also detect changes in platelet shape and size.

Although rarely used, a bone marrow study may be needed to rule out other causes of low platelet counts, such as leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.

Laboratory tests may be performed to detect antibodies that attack the patient’s platelets. These tests can help establish the autoimmune nature of the disease.

In some cases, other tests such as tests for antiphospholipid syndrome antibodies or tests for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus may be performed.