Purpura is dangerous with the likelihood of cerebral hemorrhage

Thrombocytopenic purpura is dangerous for its complications, the most formidable of which threatens with cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, bruising hemorrhages on the skin require accurate diagnosis and prompt therapy. The causes of the development of this disease are unknown, therefore, it is not yet possible to prevent it. But among the provoking factors are prolonged exposure to the hot sun, severe stress, severe infections, and vaccinations. As a result, the process of platelet production is disrupted and at the same time & nbsp; the process of their destruction is accelerated, which is why hemorrhages occur.

 Symptoms by which thrombocytopenic purpura is determined

In order not to confuse purpura with other skin diseases that are characterized by hemorrhages under the skin, its main distinguishing features should be remembered:

• bruises of various shapes and sizes – from small  red dots to large blue-yellow bruises;
• bruising is painless and occurs spontaneously, with injections or minor injuries;
• do not rise and do not have a characteristic localization;
• body temperature is not elevated, spleen is normal.

 Manifestations of purpura and features of the manifestation of the disease

The initial stage of purpura – these are bleeding mucous membranes of the oral cavity, features of the gums, palate, tonsils.  Further, bruises appear on the skin, which are most often localized on the lower extremities and can be of different colors – from red to yellowish, depending on the duration of its existence on the body. Bruises are located asymmetrically, can be single or multiple, merging into large hemorrhages, are not painful, often occur at night and do not depend on skin trauma.

Bleeding in purpura can occur from the nose, from the gums when teeth are removed, in some cases there are bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. A hemorrhage in the sclera is especially dangerous, as it indicates the threat of a hemorrhage in the brain.

 Treatment of purpura, methods of preventing complications

Several sessions of plasmapheresis give a good effect before starting therapy for purpura. This method of instrumental blood purification allows in many cases to achieve stable remission due to the removal of antibodies and immune complexes from the blood.

The patient will be prescribed a course of glucocorticoids (prednisolone) for 2-3 weeks, usually this therapy gives a quick effect. It is especially important if there is a risk of hemorrhage in the brain area. The introduction of immunoglobulins is today considered ineffective, since it gives only a short-term improvement and is very expensive.

If the patient has recurring heavy bleeding, severe anemia, and is at risk of profuse bleeding and cerebral hemorrhage, splenectomy should be considered. Since the spleen is a source of antiplatelet antibodies, its removal in many cases leads to a complete recovery of the patient.

If other treatments for purpura, including splenectomy, fail, then immunosuppressants are recommended. It is not advisable to use them before surgical treatment.

Since the exact causes of the development of purpura are not known, the prevention of this disease can only be secondary – exclude conditions in which the disease can recur and cause severe complications. The patient should be advised to avoid active sun, try not to catch an infectious disease, avoid taking NSAIDs that reduce the ability of platelets to form blood clots, prefer a diet without alcohol and spicy foods.