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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia (ITP) occurs due to an autoimmune response directed against circulating platelets or megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.  The destruction of cells is mediated by antibodies, making ITP a form of '''[[Type II Hypersensitivity|type II hypersensitivity]]'''.  The antibodies bind to cells and act as a foundation for the assembly of serum complement components or as opsonins, promoting the uptake and destruction of platelets by cells of the monocyte-phagocyte system (MPS). The destruction of platelets usually results in severe [[Platelet Abnormalities|thrombocytopaenia]] and, if the blood level of platelets fall below approximately 50x10^9/l, the affected animal is at risk of mucosal haemorrhages.   

Immune-mediated thrombocytopaenia (ITP) occurs due to an autoimmune response directed against circulating platelets or megakaryocytes in the bone marrow.  The destruction of cells is mediated by antibodies, making ITP a form of '''[[Type II Hypersensitivity|type II hypersensitivity]]'''.  The antibodies bind to surface recptors on the platelets and act as a foundation for the assembly of serum complement components or as opsonins, promoting the uptake and destruction of platelets by cells of the monocyte-phagocyte system (MPS). The destruction of platelets usually results in severe [[Platelet Abnormalities|thrombocytopaenia]] and, if the blood level of platelets fall below approximately 50x10^9/l, the affected animal is at risk of mucosal haemorrhages.   

ITP may be '''primary''' (with no apparent underlying cause) or '''secondary''' to another disease process, to an infection or as a reaction to some drugs. ITP that occurs concurrently with [[Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia|immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia]] (IMHA) is known as '''Evan’s syndrome'''.

ITP may be '''primary''' (with no apparent underlying cause) or '''secondary''' to another disease process, to an infection or as a reaction to some drugs. ITP that occurs concurrently with [[Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia|immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia]] (IMHA) is known as '''Evan’s syndrome'''.