Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and dysmegakaryocytopoiesis

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized with thrombocytopenia, primarily caused by platelet destruction. However, the studies of platelet kinetics show platelet turn over are normal or decreased, suggesting that reduced platelet production may lead to severity of ITP. We review recent research progress on abnormal cell events involved in megakaryocytopoiesis contributing to thrombocytopenia.