Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura/ ITP

Saeko: There is a person who is interested in taking BN for Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Have you ever used BN for this condition? As far as I know, the person has been taking steroids and doing a clinical trial.

Do you think that BN helps ITP? If so, how?

 

Dr Kaye: There has been studies done on ITP although the real cause is still unknown, that is why it is called idiopathic, there where researches linking it to imbalances of Oxygen free radicals ang antioxidants. They found that excessive oxygen free radicals causes the structural and functional damage of platelets and on the mechanism of chronic ITP. Hence a very high chance that BN being a strong oxygen free radical scavenger, will be able to help treat a person with ITP. 

 

Saeko: Why do you suggest to check the platelet every 2 weeks? What is the reason behind it? This person has a blood test every 3 months but is it better to check more often?

 

Dr Kaye: We can start your patient with 1-2 sachets at bedtime daily and observe the platelet count every 2 weeks. BN is a much safer choice than steroids. while in BN, the patient’s steroid dose may be tapered little by little.