title: Idiopathic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.
abstract: Childhood ITP occurs in acute and chronic forms. In general, both diseases are mild and can be managed conservatively. Approaches to therapy are highly controversial and vary widely among pediatricians and academic centers. Approximately 5% of children with ITP will develop chronic disease with severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding. These children require therapy, which is often expensive and not without risk of development of late adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kurtzberg
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stockman
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013156:Splenectomy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007136:Immunoglobulins