ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) - ITP is a disease in which the number of circulating platelets (which help with blood clotting) becomes dangerously low. It can occur because of both increased platelet destruction and decreased platelet production. It can occur in an acute form (suddenly) or in a chronic form (more gradually). The acute form is more common in childhood, while the chronic form is seen in adults. The disease occurs in about 1 in 10,000 Americans. The chronic form is most common in 18-40 year olds, and is three times more likely in women than men. The acute form occurs most commonly in children 2-5 years of age with boys and girls equally affected. The symptoms of ITP include excessive bleeding from trauma, red bleeding under the skin, excessive bruising tendencies, bleeding when brushing the teeth, and blood in the bowel movements. ITP is often successfully treated with medical approaches. However, when these fail, removal of the spleen can substantially improve or even cure the disease.