Idiopathic Thrombocytopaenic Purpura in a 30-Year-Old Male: The Dentist's Nightmare

Hemorrhagic bullae, petechiae, hematoma, ecchymoses in the oral mucosa with unprovoked uncontrolled gingival bleeding is often a cause of concern for the dentist as it indicates an impaired bleeding or clotting mechanism. Such patients are seeking dental treatment are a therapeutic challenge and the dentists are not especially trained to handle the complications that could arise due to hematologic disorders. More so, investigations for the diagnosis of these disorders are not readily available in a dental set up as well. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a relatively common bleeding disorder, which occurs due to impaired production or pronounced destruction of platelets. Though the cause is uncertain, immune related mechanisms, drugs and infections may be implicated. The disease is often diagnosed based on the history and clinical examination, backed by complete blood counts and a peripheral blood smear examination.