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Lecture 9: Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Cindy Neunert MD
Presentation Date:
November 6, 2025
> Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is associated with thrombocytopenia, due to immune platelet destruction.
> It has been over 70 years since an immune mechanism of platelet destruction was recognized, but more detailed understanding of the pathophysiology continues evolve.
> Therapeutic options are also increasing and in this presentation we will review the different modalities.
Cindy Neunert, MS MSCS
Professor, Pediatrics
Section Head, Pediatric Hematology
CUIMC Columbia University Irving Medical Center
> In 1950, William Harrington injected blood from a patient with ITP into himself.
> He developed thrombocytopenia, which was severe but transient.
> This, and other subsequent similar experiments, indicated that ITP was due to a transmissible factor, as the first evidence of an immune mediated component to ITP.
(Harrington et al. J Lab Clin Med 1951;38:1-10)
> In the 75 years since that initial observation, our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ITP has dramatically expanded, including a growing number of treatment options.
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