MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH IMMUNETHROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA BETWEEN THE YEARS 2001–2006

Abstract

BACKGROUND We have analysed the duration time of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) inchildren and the influence of various risk factors such as: age at diagnosis, sex, onset ofsymptoms and platelet count at diagnosis on duration of ITP. Data of diagnostic workupand type of treatment in child with ITP were analysed.Patients and Data of 64 children with ITP, 29 boys and 35 girls who have been managed at Departmentmethods of Hematology and Oncology at University Children Hospital in Ljubljana between theyears 2001 to 2006 were analysed. Age at diagnosis was seven weeks to 16.2 years. RESULTS The diagnosis of ITP was made by history, physical examination and peripheral bloodcount. Thrombocytopenia was severe in 42 children, moderate in 8 children and mild in14 children. The remission was not achieved in about one half of the children. Twenty eight children were treated, whereas in 34 children »watch and wait« policy with supportiveadvice was used.Children older than 12 years and those who had mild thrombocytopenia at diagnosis wereat higher risk for developement of chronic ITP. CONCLUSIONS In our study group overall clinical course was benign with good outcome regardless oftreatment type. There were no life threatening events. Management of children with ITPrequires usually nonaggressive diagnostic approach and minimal treatment with medication