Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood: twenty years of experience in a single center.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder with a variable clinical course.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis was carried out of ITP patients presenting to a pediatric hematology-oncology department during a period of 20 years, with a focus on treatment and outcome.


RESULTS
One hundred and twenty-four cases were recorded (mean patient age, 8.4 years). Forty-nine children (39.5%) had platelet counts <10,000/µL at diagnosis. No episode of severe bleeding was observed. Peak incidence was observed during spring and summer. Respiratory infections proceeded in 58% of cases. Treatment consisted of i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) in 93 children at four dosing schedules. Sixteen children received corticosteroids, 10 children received anti-D immunoglobulin and 14 received no treatment. Recovery was observed in 67% of children on IVIG and in 50% on anti-D globulin. Eight patients did not respond initially and received corticosteroids. Three children with refractory thrombocytopenia received anti-CD20 (rituximab). Fourteen children (11%) had persistent/chronic disease. In 10 of them recovery was observed in 13 months-8 years. Splenectomy was performed in six children with resistant/chronic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
ITP has a benign course in the majority of cases. Anti-D globulin can effectively be used as an alternative first-line treatment. Rituximab can successfully be used in refractory cases, while splenectomy has currently limited indications.
Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Eftichia
E
Stiakaki
Chryssoula
C
Perdikogianni
Christina
C
Thomou
Erasmia-Athina
EA
Markaki
Nikolaos
N
Katzilakis
Maria
M
Tsirigotaki
Maria
M
Kalmanti
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors