Following a course of measles, a 5-year-old girl developed scattered bruising over numerous body surfaces and was diagnosed with
immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). As part of her diagnostic workup, blood work was performed. Which result is most likely to be considered unexpected by the health care team?
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an immune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks platelets following a viral infection.
Due to this, the patient will be easily bruised and bleed since the platelets are unusually low.
Thrombopoetin is the growth factor for platelets. It stimulates the production of platelets.
Therefore, increased levels of Thrombopoetin is unexpected for patients with ITP.
