Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a fairly common blood disorder. Both children and adults can develop ITP.
Children usually have the acute (short-term) type of ITP. Acute ITP often develops after a viral infection.
Adults tend to have the chronic (long-lasting) type of ITP. Women are two to three times more likely than men to develop chronic ITP.
The number of cases of ITP is rising because routine blood tests that can detect a low platelet count are being done more often.
ITP can't be passed from one person to another.