Can ITP Raise Autoimmune Disease Risk?

Medically reviewed by Warren Brenner, M.D.

Written by Emily Wagner, M.S.

Posted on August 11, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune diseases are closely linked because both conditions involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body.

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Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune diseases often go hand-in-hand, as both conditions develop from problems with the immune system. It’s possible to develop ITP before or after an autoimmune disease diagnosis.

This article will explore the link between ITP and autoimmune diseases. We’ll cover how ITP can raise the risk of autoimmunity and how doctors diagnose and treat both conditions.

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How Are ITP and Autoimmune Disease Connected?

ITP occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys your platelets. Health experts classify ITP as either primary or secondary, depending on the cause.

Primary ITP has no known cause. On the other hand, secondary ITP develops from another underlying condition.

Autoimmune diseases can trigger the development of ITP. The term “autoimmune” means your immune system attacks your body. Your immune system overactivates and starts harming healthy cells and tissues.

Can People With ITP Develop Other Autoimmune Diseases?

Having ITP can raise your risk of developing an autoimmune disease. Almost 15 percent of people with primary ITP are eventually diagnosed with another underlying condition causing their low platelet counts.

Autoimmune Diseases Associated With ITP

Those diagnosed with secondary ITP after their initial primary ITP diagnosis may have an autoimmune disease. The following conditions are often associated with ITP.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) develops when antibodies target proteins attached to fats in cell membranes. Along with low platelet counts, APS can also cause blood clots.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare type of anemia caused by autoantibodies attacking your red blood cells (RBCs). Autoantibodies are immune system proteins that flag your cells for destruction.

Since RBCs carry oxygen, AIHA can cause shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, and fatigue.

When someone has ITP and AIHA at the same time, it’s referred to as Evans syndrome. Low levels of other immune cells called neutrophils can also occur in Evans syndrome.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is a type of autoimmune thyroid disease. Autoimmune thyroid disease occurs when autoantibodies attack the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s disease causes hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, in addition to ITP.

Sjögren’s Disease

Sjögren’s disease affects your tear and saliva glands. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common symptoms. The longer you’ve lived with Sjögren’s, the more likely you are to develop ITP.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is a body-wide autoimmune disorder. The autoantibodies made in lupus attack the joints, skin, and other organs. For some people with lupus, ITP can be the first sign of an autoimmune problem.

Studies Show an Overlap Between Autoantibodies and ITP

People with ITP can have autoantibodies associated with certain autoimmune diseases.

One study of 157 people with primary ITP found common autoantibodies seen in other autoimmune conditions. Examples included:

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) — Present in people with lupus, Sjögren’s disease, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies — Seen in people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, like Hashimoto’s disease
Direct antiglobulin (DAT) — Detects antibodies that attach to RBCs that help diagnose lupus or AIHA
Rheumatoid factor (RF) — Can point to an RA or Sjögren’s disease diagnosis

It’s important to note that having autoantibodies doesn’t mean you have a diagnosable autoimmune disease.

The study showed that none of the participants with antithyroid peroxidase antibodies had thyroid disease. Of those who had a positive DAT test, only 14 percent actually had AIHA.

However, another study of 360 children and adults with primary ITP found an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Participants who tested positive for ANA antibodies were nearly 17 times as likely to develop Sjögren’s disease or lupus compared to ANA-negative participants.

Researchers are still working to uncover exactly how ITP and autoimmune diseases are connected and the associated risks.

When Do Healthcare Providers Look for an Autoimmune Condition With ITP?

ITP can occur on its own or alongside an autoimmune condition. The symptoms you experience provide clues for doctors to make the correct diagnosis.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of ITP

Everyone’s ITP symptoms are different, ranging from no signs at all to severe bleeding. Your doctor may suspect you have ITP if you have:

Bruises from blood collecting underneath your skin
Petechiae or tiny spots of bleeding on your lower legs
Excessive nosebleeds
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Blood in your stool or urine

At this time, there’s no one specific test for diagnosing ITP. Doctors look at blood cell counts and work to rule out other potential causes.

Common blood tests for ITP include a complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear. A CBC test measures your RBC, white blood cell, and platelet counts. Platelet counts that drop quickly over a short period of time can be a sign of ITP.

A peripheral blood smear lets doctors take a closer look at your platelets and other blood cells under a microscope. Some genetic conditions create abnormal platelets that are too small or that clump together. These tests help rule out other potential causes of low platelet counts.

Tests for Autoimmune Diseases

Testing for autoimmune diseases usually isn’t recommended unless you have signs of a specific disease.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any new symptoms, even if you think they’re unrelated to your ITP. You may have an underlying autoimmune problem that’s leading to low platelet levels.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order specific types of bloodwork that help to determine if you have an autoimmune condition.

How Can Another Autoimmune Disease Affect ITP Care?

ITP and autoimmune disease treatments focus on dampening the immune system to stop attacks. Your two conditions may share some key therapies, but certain autoimmune diseases may require different medications.

Most people with mild ITP caused by an autoimmune disease don’t need any treatments. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of your options depending on your health and related conditions.

Common ITP Treatments Can Overlap With Autoimmune Diseases

Corticosteroids (steroids) are a mainstay treatment in inflammatory conditions. They help calm the immune system to stop it from damaging your healthy tissues.

A common treatment option for ITP is corticosteroids. Other autoimmune diseases include steroids in their treatment plans, including APS and AIHA.

Certain biologic drugs may be used for ITP and other autoimmune disorders.

A splenectomy can help treat ITP and some autoimmune diseases as well. Your spleen breaks down antibody-coated cells, especially platelets and RBCs. Removing the spleen with surgery helps preserve your blood cell levels.

ITP Treatments May Change With Certain Autoimmune Conditions

Depending on the exact autoimmune condition you have with ITP, your treatment plan may change.

For example, studies show that ITP with lupus requires different approaches. Your doctor needs to consider your specific lupus symptoms, which can change your treatment options.

Using steroids alone for treating lupus-related ITP isn’t always effective. You may need other medications to raise platelet levels.

Your doctor will help create a treatment plan specifically for your ITP and related autoimmune conditions.