The Etiology of Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: How Complex Is It?

Recent developments in genomics and basic immunology have provided a new set of tools for investigation into the etiology and treatment of childhood immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). The genomic revolution is generating a catalog of germ-line common genetic variants, some of which could influence the susceptibility or outcome of ITP. Similarly, in vitro analyses and animal models have been employed to probe the basic alterations underlying ITP. The emergence of a more refined understanding of complex diseases such as ITP has important implications for prevention, therapy, and follow-up. The relative contribution of the genetic component and its interaction with the strong environmental stimulus, such as an acute, antecedent viral infection, remains to be determined.