title: Investigation and management of newly diagnosed childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: problems and proposed solutions.
abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe current problems in investigation and management of newly diagnosed childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). An Intercontinental Childhood ITP Study Group was established in 1997 with the aim to promote international clinical research based on a research environment and network of physicians. Initial and still ongoing projects include registries to collect data on the natural history of ITP, demographics of patients with ITP, and its management. Registry I was successful, with data on almost 3,000 patients from 38 countries. Registry II investigates the occurrence and severity of bleeding at the time of diagnosis and within 2 years of follow-up. Current problems are listed and discussed. An international network of physicians similar to that of malignant diseases for the conduct of clinical research and regular scientific meetings is the basis for solutions of the identified problems.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oncology/Haematology, University Children's Hospital, Postfach, Römergasse 8, CH-4005 Basel, Switzerland. Thomas.Kuehne@hin.ch
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kühne
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012042:Registries; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology