The causes of fatigue in ITP are not completely understood, but many people with the condition say the fatigue is worse when their platelet count is low.
In some cases, though, someone who has ITP may experience fatigue even when their platelet count is managed. According to James Martin, MD, a hematologist at Cleveland Clinic, fatigue that persists despite treatment may be due to more than one cause.
Some possible reasons you may experience fatigue when you have ITP include:
Cytokines ITP is an autoimmune disease, says Dr. Wolanskyj-Spinner. The root of autoimmune disease is inflammation, and when your body is inflamed, cytokines (proteins that help control inflammation in your body) are released, which can cause fatigue.
Comorbidities ITP may be secondary to an underlying disease, such as lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease.
Steroids Wolanskyj-Spinner says steroids, which are commonly used to treat ITP, are a double-edged sword. “They are wonderful in their ability to rapidly decrease inflammation, but their side effects can cause insomnia and depression, affecting overall well-being and contributing to fatigue,” she says.
