Treatment for children

The decision to treat ITP in (young) children is made more cautiously than in adults.

Childhood ITP is a self-limiting disorder in +/- 80% of the cases, whether or not treatment has been given, with the symptoms disappearing within a few weeks to a year. In cases of acute thrombocytopenia, the bleeding tendency is the deciding factor for treatment. If the bleeding is minor and not serious, watchful waiting is recommended.

If bleeding becomes more of a problem, prednisone and/or immune globulin (IVIg) are prescribed. Further treatment will only be considered in extreme cases.

If a child patient’s platelet count is only moderately reduced, most daily activities can continue as normal. If the platelet count is very low (or if the bleeding tendency increases), it is best to discuss with your practitioner which activities should be avoided.