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TREATMENT OF ITP

No need to treat mild compensated ITP (>50x109/l) unless haemorrhagic manifestations.  Keep under regular review and advise urgent FBC if haemorrhagic manifestations.  Most children do not require treatment – but those in whom chronic ITP develops are treated in the same way as adults.  90% children eventually recover completely.  Aim of therapy of adult ITP is to achieve an improved (preferably normal) platelet count without need for long term maintenance therapy.

Do not initiate treatment for ITP without discussing with a haematologist