Auto-immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Two distinct form of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have been observed: an acute form occurring in children, of short duration with a spontaneous recovery in a few weeks; and a chronic form occurring mostly in adults, of long duration, lasting for years and which is now considered as an autoimmune disease. Treatment of chronic ITP bleeding episodes may require prednisone or platelet transfusions. Low dosage of prednisone (10-20 mg day) may be useful to control mild bleeding. Platelet transfusion is required in severe hemorrhage but its effectiveness is restricted both by the short platelet life-span and by the risk of alloantibodies formation. The treatment of the disease involves prednisone, plenectomy and/or immunosuppressive therapy. E. Szirmai - Stuttgart.