Title: Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Category: Pediatrics

Posted: 8/28/2010 by Rose Chasm, MD (Updated: 3/4/2026)

most common cause of low platelets in children
immune-mediated destruction of circulating platelets
acute ITP peak incidence between 2-5 years of age; chronic ITP peaks in adolescence
recent history (1-6 weeks) of viral infection or immunization is common
no hepatosplenomegaly
low platelets with megathrombocytes on smear, with normal hemoglobin (which differentiates from TTP, HUS, and DIC)
nearly 90% of children will have normal platelet counts in 6 months
treatment reserved for platelet counts <20,000 or significant bleeding: IVIG (best response rate of 95%), corticosteroids (79% resposne rate), anti-rH (D) immunoglobulin (82% reesponse reate)

MedStudy Pediatrics Board Review, Book 4, 1st edit