Management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children: a single institution experience.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a relatively common hematologic disease in childhood. ITP is often self-limiting and is characterized by a good clinical outcome. About 10-20% of cases can have a chronic course. In our retrospective analysis we have evaluated 45 patients affected by ITP from January '92 to December '97. Thirty-seven patients (82%) met the criteria of acute ITP and 8 (18%) had chronic ITP. Patients were stratified into 3 categories based up on the type of treatment received: no treatment, steroids, steroids and IVIG. In our series children treated with oral prednisone showed a slightly faster recovery in the first days from treatment. We suggest the use of steroids in children with low platelet count and signs and symptoms of bleeding.
Ruggiero
A
A
Department of Pediatric Oncology, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Roma, Italia.
Ridola
V
V
Lazzareschi
I
I
Riccardi
R
R
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies