The cause of the disease is unknown, and although the platelets are primarily affected, the red blood cells and white blood cells are also involved. The disease has similarities to polycythemia vera , chronic myelogenous leukemia , and myelofibrosis . Usually it affects people who are over 50 years old. Bleeding can occur from the gastrointestinal, respiratory , urinary tract, or skin. The formation of blood clots called thrombosis may coincide with bleeding episodes and may even cause strokes in some people.
Risk factors are unknown.
The incidence is 1 out of 100,000 people. Specific treatment has not been defined. Some people have benefited from chemotherapy . The outcome varies, with reports ranging from prolonged periods without complications in some people, to fatalities from complications related to hemorrhage and thrombosis in others. Call your health care provider if chest pain , leg pain , confusion , weakness , numbness , or other new symptoms develop.