Do other members of your family have ITP or low platelets?

Although ITP is not considered an inherited disorder, there are patients diagnosed with ITP who have close relatives also diagnosed with the disease. For some, the diagnosis of ITP is incorrect and the family members really have inherited thrombocytopenia, low platelets caused by a genetic mutation.

There are several different genetic problems that are known to result in low platelets and more are being investigated. See the Other Platelet Disorders Page for a list.

If there is a history of low platelets in the family, the platelet count is moderate (50,000 or more) or if the person with low platelets has never had a normal platelet count, it would be good to have a specialist double check the diagnosis and consider one of the inherited thrombocytopenias.

Dr. Amy Geddis at the University of California in San Diego is researching the genetic basis of inherited platelet disorders. She can help with the diagnosis and you can help her with her research. Contact Dr. Geddis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 619-224-1841.