Idiopathic (Immune) Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Children: Pathogenesis and Treatment

Abstract

On the basis of available evidence it seems that "idiopathic" thrombocytopenic purpura, in children as in adults, should more properly be termed immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Although therapy is often employed because of the fear of CNS hemorrhage, the incidence of this dreaded complication is actually very low. New treatments may permit the physician to induce a safe platelet count while awaiting spontaneous remission. The indications for splenectomy in children may have to be reevaluated and here, too, new forms of therapy may permit the operation to be deferred and, in some cases, avoided entirely.