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Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and lupus are both autoimmune conditions. In autoimmune conditions, the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissue by mistake. When someone with lupus develops ITP, it’s called secondary ITP, which means ITP is linked to another health condition.
It’s unclear whether lupus directly causes ITP. Here’s what you need to know if you have lupus and ITP.
Between 7 percent and 30 percent of people with SLE develop secondary ITP.
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ITP and lupus are related because low platelets are one possible blood problem in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus.
Not every case of low platelets in lupus is ITP. Low platelets can have different causes, including disease activity, treatment side effects, or another associated blood disorder.
Lupus, ITP, and the Immune SystemAntibodies are proteins the immune system makes to help fight infections. In lupus and immune thrombocytopenia, the immune system can make autoantibodies, which target the body’s own cells.
In ITP, the immune system attacks platelets. Platelets help blood clot, so having fewer platelets can raise the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In lupus, autoantibodies attack tissue and cells in different parts of the body, like in the joints, skin, heart, brain, and kidneys.
Researchers are still learning why some people develop both lupus and ITP. The connection could be due to a combination of genetic factors and certain autoantibodies.
Symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person. They may depend on which organs and areas of the body are affected. Researchers have suggested that, in some cases, ITP can be an early sign of lupus.
Common lupus symptoms include:
These symptoms can also happen with other conditions. Other medical conditions can have the same symptoms, so diagnosis can take time.
Symptoms of ITP are typically the same for people with or without lupus. Often, people won’t have any ITP symptoms, but a blood test shows low platelets.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of bleeding, bruising, or lupus.
Lupus can be hard to diagnose. No single test can diagnose lupus, so doctors look at the signs and symptoms, medical history, family history, and lab tests.
Tests that may help diagnose lupus include:
A CBC is also used to help diagnose ITP. In ITP, red and white blood cell counts are often normal, but the platelet count is low. A peripheral blood smear may be used after an abnormal CBC.
If you have ITP, your doctor may also look for conditions linked to secondary ITP, including lupus.
Since lupus and ITP both affect the immune system, most of their treatments work in the same way — aiming to reduce immune system activity and calm inflammation. Treatment plans will depend on your specific symptoms.
When treatment is needed for ITP, options may include:
If you have lupus and ITP, work with your doctor to find the best plan for you. You may need care from specialists in both areas.
On myITPteam, people share their experiences with immune thrombocytopenia, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Are you living with both lupus and ITP? Let others know in the comments below.
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I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus in 1991 by University of Miami. I have struggled with it for years. I also have FIBROMYALGIA, Sjogron's disease, Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, 2 Brain aneurysms… read more
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