Did you know that platelet transfusion is NOT the treatment for low platelets in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)? Learn why in this week's episode!

This episode was written by pediatricians Tammy Yau and Lidia Park with content support from Anjali Pawar (pediatric hematology). Pediatricians Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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Key Points:

• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) causes low platelets, by definition less than 100,000 microL, in the setting of a normal bone marrow and no other cause of thrombocytopenia.
• ITP can be acute or chronic meaning lasting longer than 6 months.
• Acute ITP can be self limiting and not require treatment but treatment can include steroids, IVIG, thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RA like eltrombopag), or Rhogam.
• Chronic ITP can include rituximab, eltrombopag, and/or splenectomy

Sources

• Pediatric in Review, Chu Y, et al (March 2000): https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.21-3-95
• American Society of Hematology Clinical Practice Guidelines on Immune Thrombocytopenia (2019): https://www.hematology.org/education/clinicians/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-
• practice-guidelines/immune-thrombocytopenia-guidelines
• Journal of Pediatrics, Buchanan GR, Adix L (Nov 2002): doi: 10.1067/mpd.2002.128547
• Platelet Disorder Support Association: https://pdsa.org/images/stories/pdf/ITP-in-Children_FAQ.pdf