Current controversies in the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during childhood

Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa in a Pediatric Patient With Initial Presentation of Refractory Acute Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding in acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is rare but can cause significant complications to the patient. Here we report the case of a pediatric patient with acute ITP and hematuria refractory to anti-D immune globulin, high dose intravenous immunoglobulin G, and high dose steroids. Her hematuria was successfully treated with recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). While further investigation on the use of rFVIIa in ITP is warranted, this case report contributes to the pediatric literature for its use during the course of an initial presentation of ITP with hemorrhagic complications.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, report of five cases and review of the literature

Cytopenias are common among pediatric SOT; however, autoimmune cytopenias are infrequently reported. We report five cases of autoimmune cytopenias in pediatric LT patients: two with isolated IgG-mediated AIHA, two with ITP, and one with Evans syndrome (ITP and AIHA). All patients were maintained on tacrolimus as immunosuppression. Viral illness commonly preceded the autoimmune cytopenias. All patients responded well to medical therapy (steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab) and lowering tacrolimus serum level. Prognosis appears to be worse when more than one cell line (e.g., Evans syndrome) is affected, and/or there is no preceding viral illness. A critical literature review of autoimmune cytopenias in children following SOT is conducted. Autoimmune cytopenias are a rarely reported complication of pediatric SOT, but clinicians taking care of pediatric transplant recipients need to be aware of this complication.

Outcome of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children

BACKGROUND

There is paucity of data on long-term probability of remission in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Aim was to study the course and factors influencing remission of chronic ITP. Chronic ITP was defined as thrombocytopenia persisting >6 months following initial diagnosis.

PROCEDURES

Case-records of children with chronic ITP, aged <14 years, were reviewed in this retrospective study (1987-2006).

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy children were followed. Median age at diagnosis was 6 years. Median duration of follow up was 30 months (range 6-166). Isolated thrombocytopenia (even if <10 x 10(9)/L) in the absence of "significant" bleeds, by itself was not considered an indication for drug therapy. Sixty-seven (24.8%) children attained complete remission (CR) over a median period of 18 months (range 7-120). The probabilities of remission at 5 years for males and females were 24% and 39.6%, respectively (P = 0.01). The probability of achieving remission at 10 years in children <8 and > or =8 years was 51.2% and 34%, respectively (P = 0.02). The probability of remission at 5 years for children who received some treatment, versus no treatment was 31.4% and 27%, respectively (P = 0.8). Nine of 18 children, who underwent splenectomy, achieved CR. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurred in 11 (4%) cases. The time of occurrence of ICH from onset of symptoms varied from 6 to 55 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The predicted spontaneous remission rate with chronic ITP was 30% and 44% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Platelet count at diagnosis and the treatment administered did not influence remission outcomes. Age <8 years and female gender were predictors of a favorable outcome.

Controversies in the diagnosis and management of childhood acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) occurs most commonly in young children who present with severe isolated thrombocytopenia and purpura. A marrow examination is not required unless glucocorticoids are used, lest treatment mask incipient acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but controversy exists here. The recommendations for evaluation and management remain controversial, since prospective controlled trials have not been done. There is some consensus based on experience and empiric data. Almost all children with acute ITP will recover completely without therapy. Although the various treatments may increase the platelet count, they do not influence the outcome of the illness, may increase cost, and cause significant side effects. Therefore, careful observation may be the best management option for the patient with ITP, in the absence of severe bleeding. The data available relevant to these issues are discussed.

Intracranial hemorrhage in childhood immune thrombocytopenic purpura

We retrospectively analyzed 750 patients with ITP for development of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Seventeen cases with age range of 10 months to 18 years were studied. Ten patients were of acute ITP and seven had chronic ITP. Nine patients developed ICH one month after the onset of ITP and five patients had ICH on presentation. ICH was precipitated by trauma in four patients and possibly the use of NSAIDs in one patient. Median platelets counts at the time of ICH were 12 x 10(9)/L (range 2-50 x 10(9)/L). Most patients were treated with corticosteroids. Four patients (24%) died due to ICH.

Severe hemorrhage in children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Controversy exists regarding management of children newly diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Drug treatment is usually administered to prevent severe hemorrhage, although the definition and frequency of severe bleeding are poorly characterized. Accordingly, the Intercontinental Childhood ITP Study Group (ICIS) conducted a prospective registry defining severe hemorrhage at diagnosis and during the following 28 days in children with ITP. Of 1106 ITP patients enrolled, 863 were eligible and evaluable for bleeding severity assessment at diagnosis and during the subsequent 4 weeks. Twenty-five children (2.9%) had severe bleeding at diagnosis. Among 505 patients with a platelet count less than or equal to 20 000/mm(3) and no or mild bleeding at diagnosis, 3 (0.6%), had new severe hemorrhagic events during the ensuing 28 days. Subsequent development of severe hemorrhage was unrelated to initial management (P = .82). These results show that severe bleeding is uncommon at diagnosis in children with ITP and rare during the next 4 weeks irrespective of treatment given. We conclude that it would be difficult to design an adequately powered therapeutic trial aimed at demonstrating prevention of severe bleeding during the first 4 weeks after diagnosis. This finding suggests that future studies of ITP management should emphasize other outcomes.

Cost-effectiveness of Treatment for Acute Childhood Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) – a Systematic Review

The cost-effectiveness of treatment for acute paediatric idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was assessed to provide evidence for health-care decision making and rational drug use. A systematic review of studies published between 1980 and 7 September 2007 on the clinical effects and economic profiles of treating ITP was undertaken. The quality of the studies was critically appraised and checklists were developed to assess methodological quality and transferability to the Chinese setting. Out of 174 studies, five (one Chinese; four USA) satisfied all the predefined criteria for inclusion and form the basis of this report. Methodological quality of most of the foreign studies was high, but transferability to other countries was low. Use of steroids provided additional life years and was cost-effective compared with intravenous immunoglobulin G and anti-D immunoglobulin. In comparison, the quality of the Chinese studies was low and long-term research rare. It was difficult to compare cost-effectiveness in different health-care settings and no life-time economic evaluations were available.

Splenectomy and spontaneous remission in children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Two hundred thirty of 696 evaluable children were identified as having chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Splenectomy was performed in 30 (13%), achieving remission in 22 (73%). Favorable response was associated to higher initial platelet count. Spontaneous remission was achieved by 53/200 non-splenectomized patients (26.5%), up to 10 years from diagnosis. More than half of them recovered between 6th and 12th month from diagnosis. The recovery rate was significantly higher (P=0.03) in children aged<9 years (31.2%) than in older children (14.6%). No reliable factor predictive of response in individual cases is still available.

Current challenges in the management of children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Much progress has been made during the past several decades in the diagnosis and management of childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Although we do not yet know ITP's cause, opportunities for research discovery in other areas have blossomed in recent years. One major step forward has been realization that outcomes other than platelet count are important in children with ITP, most especially the severity of hemorrhage, cost and side effects of treatment, and overall quality of life. The classical definition of chronic ITP (thrombocytopenia lasting greater than 6 months) has been questioned. Debate continues whether ITP can truly be cured, especially when it lasts for years. Much excitement has recently been generated as a result of a new mechanism of ITP treatment, that is, enhancing platelet production. Yet problems continue regarding how best to conduct research involving newly diagnosed ITP patients, for a number of barriers are still to be overcome. Fortunately, however, abundant information and support for ITP patients and their families is now much more available than in years past.

The patient: Emerging clinical applications of intravenous immunoglobulin

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) originally was used as prophylactic treatment of infections in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease. Today, administration of IGIV, due in large part to its immunomodulatory activity, has expanded to include a number of other disorders. Available data suggest that the accepted indications for IGIV will continue to expand. As the number of clinical applications for this therapy grows, so will market opportunities; current preparations will be modified and improved and new products introduced. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy has improved the lives of many patients with immune-related disorders. Future applications will ideally advance this paradigm further.

Splenectomy for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children: a single center study in China

The management of chronic and refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in children is controversial. We conducted a retrospective review of our single center experience in China between 1990 and 2003 with splenectomy for chronic ITP in children in order to determine the initial and long-term hematological response, morbidity, mortality, predictors of response to splenectomy and the therapy in children who failed splenectomy. Of 65 children analyzed, the overall immediate clinical response to splenectomy was 89.2%. The median postsplenectomy follow-up time was 52 months (8-124). During follow-up, 9 children (13.8%) relapsed within a median time of 6 months (2-58). The overall morbidity was 1.5% and perioperative mortality was zero. During follow-up, 1 child died of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and 1 died of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI). The platelet count at day 7 after splenectomy was a predictor of a sustained response to splenectomy but no preoperative parameters were predictors of the response to splenectomy. Of the 15 children who failed splenectomy, excluding the one who died of ICH, only 2 children intermittently required corticosteroids and IVIG. Splenectomy is a potential therapy to provide long-term control of disease in children with chronic ITP and is associated with low morbidity and mortality. The risk of fulminant sepsis remains an omnipresent concern. Antipneumococcal vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis should be recommended and children should receive timely and adequate antibiotics for bacteria infection to lessen the problem of OPSI.

Treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children : current concepts

Treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), the most common bleeding disorder of childhood, is a controversial subject for most practitioners. Diagnosis and management of ITP has historically been based primarily on expert opinion rather than on evidence. Due to a paucity of carefully conducted clinical trials in children, the management of ITP varies widely, ranging from observation only, to aggressive management with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), intravenous anti-D rhesus (Rh)0 immunoglobulin (IV RhIG), corticosteroids, and splenectomy. To address the controversies, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the British Society for Hematology (BSH) have developed ITP practice guidelines. These guidelines, based on expert opinion, differ in their recommendations for treatment. The ASH guidelines favor therapy based on a low platelet count, and the more current BSH guidelines recommend a more conservative 'wait and watch' approach. In addition to treating children with severe bleeding symptoms, there is a tendency (not evidence based) to treat early in order to prevent a life-threatening bleeding episode, including intracerebral hemorrhage. Corticosteroids are a highly effective therapy, inexpensive, and can usually increase the platelet count within hours to days. However, chronic or prolonged use is associated with toxicity. In the US, based on the knowledge of known toxicities of corticosteroids, as well as the efficacy of alternative treatments (IV RhIG, IVIG), many pediatricians prefer to treat with IVIG and IV RhIG, reserving corticosteroid treatment for serious bleeding or refractory disease. However, in the UK, for the most part, corticosteroids are used as first-line therapy in children with ITP. Splenectomy is rarely indicated in children except for those with life-threatening bleeding and chronic, severe ITP with impairment of quality of life. For children who develop chronic or refractory ITP, immunosuppressive drugs and/or chemotherapy agents may offer some promise. However, the long-term effects of these drugs in children are unknown and they should not be considered unless there is unequivocal evidence that the patient is refractory to IV RhIG, IVIG, and corticosteroids. To date, virtually all of the randomized clinical trials conducted in children with ITP have focused on platelet counts as the sole outcome measure. Only carefully designed, multicenter, randomized clinical trials comparing the effects of different treatment modalities in terms of bleeding, quality of life, adverse effects, and treatment-related costs will be able to address the controversies surrounding childhood ITP treatment and allow management of this condition to be based on scientific data rather than treatment philosophy.

Splenic artery embolization in the management of an acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura-related intracranial hemorrhage

Although relatively rare, intracranial hemorrhage remains the most common cause of immune thrombocytopenic purpura-related mortality [Medeiros D. Current controversies in the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during childhood. Pediatr Clin North Am . 1996;43:757-72]. The required decompressive treatment has the potential for substantial blood loss and must often be delayed because of resistant thrombocytopenia responsive only to splenectomy. Splenic embolization is a novel approach to this problem that can expedite definitive neurosurgical care and minimize permanent sequelae. This is the first reported case of splenic embolization in the management of a child with known immune thrombocytopenic purpura presenting with central nervous system bleeding.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura complicated by an intracranial hemorrhage secondary to an arteriovenous malformation

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) complicated by an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in a child with a previously undiagnosed arteriovenous malformation.

CASE

We describe a child with known ITP who developed a severe headache, was evaluated in an emergency department of a community hospital, and was found by computer tomography (CT) scan to have an ICH. Despite treatment with platelets, corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin, she subsequently developed an acute change in mental status. A second CT scan showed that the hemorrhage had significantly increased in size despite treatment. The patient underwent an emergent splenectomy prior to a craniotomy to remove the hemorrhage. At the time of surgery, it was discovered that she had an arteriovenous malformation at the sight of the hemorrhage. Her recovery was unremarkable and she was discharged to home with no neurologic sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

ICH is a rare but life-threatening complication of ITP. Neurologic symptoms in a child with ITP should be quickly evaluated by CT scan. Most experts suggest careful observation for most cases of ITP. However, when neurologic symptoms occur, more aggressive treatment options must be used. Care of this child included an emergency splenectomy prior to her craniotomy. Pediatric emergency medicine practitioners must be aware of these neurologic symptoms and must not hesitate to involve pediatric surgeons and neurosurgeons in the care of the child. Prompt recognition and early intervention are the keys to improving outcomes when ICH complicates ITP.

Intended management of children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a national survey

OBJECTIVE

In Australia acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is mainly treated by paediatricians (either general paediatricians or paediatric haematologists/oncologists). A survey was conducted to gauge the current practice of treating children with acute ITP in Australia.

METHODS

All practising Australian paediatricians registered by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians were surveyed regarding their intended management of children with acute ITP. The questionnaire, adapted from a study of paediatric haematologists/oncologists in North America, presented four clinical scenarios of children with acute ITP with a platelet count of 3000 x 10(9)/L, with and without mucosal bleeding (wet and dry purpura, respectively). Questionnaires were returned by mail or filled in online at a dedicated webpage.

RESULTS

Five hundred and sixty-three of 1097 (51%) paediatricians responded to the survey. Data from 140 who had treated at least one child with ITP in the previous 12 months were analysed. Respondents indicated that children with acute ITP are usually or always hospitalised (58-92%) and that 48% would be given active treatment, even with dry purpura. Various regimens of i.v. immunoglobulin or corticosteroids are used when treatment is administered. In comparing Australian and North American management of acute ITP there were many similarities, although Australian paediatricians were less likely to arrange a bone marrow aspirate if corticosteroids were prescribed.

CONCLUSIONS

There is great variation in the intended management of children with acute ITP in Australia. Previously published management recommendations regarding investigation and treatment have had little impact on intended practice. Prospective studies are required to evaluate hypotheses so as to produce evidence-based recommendations for treatment of patients with acute ITP.

The pros and cons of drug therapy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children

This article discusses the pros and cons of drug therapy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children.

Long-term outcome of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children

OBJECTIVES

Children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) generally have a favorable outcome, but it is not known whether there are any prognostic factors to predict outcome. The objectives of this study were to assess the spontaneous remission rate and the prognostic significance of age, gender, initial platelet count, initial treatment, and response to treatment.

METHODS

In this retrospective review of 62 consecutive children with chronic ITP, 37 were girls and 27 were 10 years of age or older (median age 9 years; range, 0.75-19).

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (56%) achieved spontaneous remission (remission without splenectomy), 30 of them (48%) within 4 years from diagnosis. Twenty-eight (45%) were complete remissions (platelet counts of >/=100,000) and 7 (11%) were partial remissions (50,000-99,000). There was no significant difference in the spontaneous remission rate between the younger (<10 years) and older children (55.8% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.95) or between boys and girls (56% vs. 56.7%, P = 0.98). Similarly, platelet count at initial diagnosis, initial therapy, or response to initial therapy did not have any prognostic significance. All 14 patients who underwent splenectomy achieved complete remission.

CONCLUSIONS

More than 50% of children with chronic ITP achieve spontaneous remission. Age, gender, platelet count at initial diagnosis, initial treatment, and response to initial treatment do not have any prognostic significance toward the outcome of chronic ITP.

Differential diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenia in childhood

The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a firm knowledge of the major causes of thrombocytopenia and their treatments, and to form a broad differential diagnosis, so that it will be clearer when to consider a rare etiology. The various etiologies are presented by known disease entities, grouped by age,and described as they would occur and be considered in a realistic clinical setting. A brief categorization of causes of thrombocytopenia by mechanism, notably abnormal platelet production, platelet destruction, or sequestration, is included. With each disease process, the pathophysiology as it is currently known is described and discussed.

Bleeding signs in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Too little emphasis has been placed upon bleeding signs in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The frequency, location, and severity of clinical bleeding should dominate management considerations and the actual platelet count should be de-emphasized. With the notable exception of intracranial bleeding, virtually all prior literature reports describing case series or randomized trials of ITP have not addressed or even mentioned bleeding signs in study subjects. Future clinical investigations in childhood ITP should include a careful description of bleeding manifestations in the study populations and should assess outcome in terms of bleeding signs, quality of life, toxicity of therapy, cost, and, incidentally, the platelet count.

Severe bleeding in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Immune thrombocytopenia in childhood is usually an acute self-limiting disorder and despite very low platelet counts is rarely complicated by serious bleeding. Several surveys indicate that only 5% or fewer children experience serious bleeding, most commonly from the nose or gastrointestinal tract. Such children need urgent measures to control bleeding, both transfusion where necessary and pharmacotherapy to raise the platelet count. Not infrequently the response of the count is less than optimal. While intracranial hemorrhage is the most feared and serious complication, it is rare, occurring in about 0.3% of cases, and if treated promptly usually has a good outcome. Treatment prior to intracranial hemorrhage does not necessarily prevent it, and it may occur after many months of otherwise clinically mild disease. The relative risk increases with the length of time a child has a very low platelet count. An international registry will help to collect more information about these important cases. Menstrual bleeding can cause severe problems for adolescents and may need a multidisciplinary approach with hormonal manipulation of the menstrual cycle.

Low-dose versus high-dose immunoglobulin for primary treatment of acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children: results of a prospective, randomized single-center trial

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy and side effects of two different intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) dose regimens for the initial treatment of childhood acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODS

Thirty-four consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute ITP and a platelet count below 20x10(9)/L were randomized to receive either 1 g/kg body weight (n=17; group A) or 0.3 g/kg body weight (n=17; group B) IVIG per day for 2 consecutive days (total dose 2 g/kg and 0.6 g/kg).

RESULTS

Fifteen of the 17 patients (88.2%) in group A and 13 of the 17 patients (76.5%) in group B achieved a platelet count of more than 20x10(9)/L within 72 hours. The increase in platelet counts on day 2 and 3 was more pronounced in the high-dose group. Two patients in the high-dose group and four in the low-dose group were non-responders. Chronic disease occurred in three patients receiving 2 g/kg IVIG and in five patients receiving 0.6 g/kg IVIG. Side effects of IVIG administration were more common in the high-dose group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that platelet counts increased more rapidly after high-dose IVIG administration within the first 72 hours, although a platelet count of more than 20x10(9)/L can be achieved also with low-dose IVIG in most children with acute ITP. For patients with very low platelet counts, doses higher than 0.6 g/kg seem, therefore, to be more effective.

Randomized study of IVIg and high-dose dexamethasone therapy for children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

PURPOSE

To investigate whether pulsed high-dose dexamethasone is more efficacious than intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) as treatment of symptomatic chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in childhood.

METHODS

In a 2:1-randomized study, 23 children with chronic ITP received dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg per day for 4 consecutive days once monthly for 6 months, n = 15) or IVIg (800 mg/kg intravenously once monthly for 6 months, n = 8). After four courses of treatment a crossover was offered to nonresponders. A total of 20 children received dexamethasone and 11 received IVIg.

RESULTS

One of the 8 IVIg patients and 2 of the 15 dexamethasone patients achieved complete response, defined as a platelet count of at least 150 x 10(9)/L for more than 3 months without treatment. Two of the 15 dexamethasone patients achieved partial response, defined as a platelet count of at least 30 x 10(9)/L for more than 3 months without treatment. One of the 8 IVIg patients and 5 of the 15 dexamethasone patients discontinued treatment. Five patients crossed over from IVIg to dexamethasone (one complete response) and three from dexamethasone to IVIg (none responded). In summary, 5 of the 20 dexamethasone patients achieved a complete or partial response and 1 of the 11 IVIg patients achieved a complete response. Platelet counts of at least 30 x 10(9)/L by day 3 were reached in 9 of the 12 (75%) dexamethasone patients and all 8 (100%) IVIg children using available data. Five years after study completion, two of the three children who achieved a complete response and one of the two with a partial response to dexamethasone were in remission, as was the child with a complete response to IVIg.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with pulsed high-dose dexamethasone is not always effective in children with chronic ITP, but it is worth trying in severe symptomatic chronic childhood ITP.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Although many advances have been achieved in the understanding of ITP, critical issues regarding the pathophysiology and biology of the disease remain to be elucidated. The recent characterization of the human genome along with new sophisticated molecular biology techniques will allow basic researchers to study genes that may affect the presentation and clinical course of the disease. Different patterns of gene expression in this population can be studied, leading to the identification of subsets of patients with ITP at higher risk of bleeding. The multigene patterns of expression might also provide clues about regulatory mechanisms and broader cellular functions. In order to answer essential clinical questions, like the incidence of ICH in relation to drug treatment or observation alone, clinical trials should be appropriately designed. More studies are necessary to better define the optimal treatment approach for each child with ITP. Even though the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage cannot be used as the primary outcome measure because of its rarity, numerous other outcomes, such as rate of rise in platelet count, cost and side effects of therapy, health related quality of life of the patient and family, and severity of hemorrhage can be measured and compared between treatment groups. Future investigators should find it attractive to conduct trials in children with this common hematological disease so that decision making can be based more on scientific evidence than on anecdote and opinion.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura diagnosed during the second decade of life

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively review our institutional experience of adolescents with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

STUDY DESIGN

Medical record review of all patients diagnosed with ITP between the ages of 10 and 18 years seen at our center from January 1976 to March 2000.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 126 patients. Of the evaluable 110 cases, 63 (57%) satisfied the criteria for chronic ITP, 30 (27%) for acute ITP, and 17 (15%) were uncertain. Sex distribution and mean ages were similar in all 3 groups. Platelet count at presentation was higher in patients with chronic ITP. Splenectomy was performed in 24 patients, with 17 (77%) of 22 having normal platelet counts at last follow-up. Outcome for the nonsplenectomized patients with chronic ITP included normalization of platelet count (n = 4), minimal or no bleeding without treatment (n = 29), treatment for ongoing symptoms (n = 5), and unknown (n = 1). Two patients died, 1 from intracranial hemorrhage and 1 from Escherichia coli sepsis and pulmonary hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients 10 to 18 years of age with ITP are more likely than younger children to have chronic disease. Many patients with ITP recover without drug therapy or need for splenectomy. ITP in adolescents shares features of both childhood and adult ITP.

Management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common acquired bleeding disorder occurring in previously healthy children and can be classified into two major forms. Acute and chronic ITP are benign conditions with a high probability of spontaneous recovery with or without therapy. Rates of 80-90% complete remission can be achieved irrespective of the treatment given. In only 10-20% of children thrombocytopenia persists for more than six months, showing a chronic course, which also has a high probability of remitting over time (up to 80% or more). The variability of the clinical course, and the lack of consistent clinical features, make the decision on whether and how to treat difficult. Most physicians are driven to treat all children with symptoms by concern over life-threatening hemorrhage, although the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is only 0.1-0.9%. The commonly used treatment regimens for acute ITP are corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgG), or intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin (anti-D). So far, there is no evidence that initial therapy can prevent ICH or a chronic course of the disease. In chronic ITP the same drugs are generally used and it seems that pulses with steroids may be just as effective as IVIgG. Anti-D may also be considered a reliable and cheap alternative for chronic disease. A major problem in the management of chronic ITP is the question of whether repeated infusions of Ig (IVIgG or anti-D) and/or corticosteroids can postpone or ultimately preclude splenectomy, which must be considered only for a small proportion of patients resistant to therapy. In these cases, a laparoscopic approach should be preferred. Children who fail to respond to splenectomy (< 20% of cases) warrant second line treatment with other drugs, like cyclophosphamide or azathioprine and deserve a revisit of diagnosis for exclusion of secondary ITP.

Elective splenectomy in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review the safety and efficacy of elective splenectomy in children with idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODS

The authors reviewed the medical records of children with ITP treated with elective splenectomy at Children's Medical Center of Dallas since 1961. Indication for splenectomy was symptomatic thrombocytopenia unresponsive to medical management.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight evaluable patients who had elective splenectomy for ITP were identified. Twenty-one (55%) were girls and 17 (45%) were boys. Twenty-two had splenectomy since January 1990. Age at diagnosis ranged from 6 months to 15.9 years (median 9 years), and age at splenectomy ranged from 3.6 to 16.4 years (median 11.8). Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 11 patients. No patient died and only one (2.6%) had postoperative hemorrhage. There were no other complications related to surgery. No cases of postsplenectomy sepsis were observed. At follow-up ranging from 1 month to 19.9 years (median 2.1 years), 29 patients (76.3%) had a normal platelet count (>150 x 109/L) and 4 (10.5%) had a platelet count between 50 and 150 x 109/L. Only two of the five (13.2%) remaining patients who continued to have a platelet count less than 50 x 109/L had hemorrhagic manifestations necessitating intermittent therapy with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic or open splenectomy is a safe and effective procedure for children with chronic or refractory ITP and should be considered when medical management fails or causes excessive toxicity.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: beyond consensus

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common acquired bleeding disorder encountered by pediatricians. Most children with ITP have minimal bleeding and complete platelet count recovery within weeks to months. Therapy for ITP has ranged from close observation without medical intervention to aggressive management with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin G, or anti-D immune globulin. The topic of ITP has incited great debate among practitioners, and this debate prompted the development of ITP practice guidelines by the British Paediatric Haematology Group in 1992 and by the American Society of Hematology in 1996. A better understanding of the clinical course of, risk for significant bleeding in, and optimal evaluation and therapy of childhood ITP will require carefully designed, multicenter, clinical trials.

Treatment of childhood acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura with anti-D immune globulin or pooled immune globulin

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of initial treatment of children with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with anti-D immune globulin (anti-D) or pooled IgG immune globulin (IVIg).

STUDY DESIGN

The medical charts of 33 children diagnosed with acute ITP from May 1995 to October 1997 were reviewed. Patient data were eligible for analysis if, for the new diagnosis of acute ITP, the patient had received either anti-D at 45 to 50 microg/kg (WinRho SD, NABI) or IVIg at 0.8 to 1 g/kg (Gammagard SD, Baxter-Highland). The platelet response time for each treatment group was compared by the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Time to achieve a platelet count >/=20 x 10(9 )/L (20,000/mm3 ) was 1.54 +/- 0.51 days in the IVIg group (n = 13) and 1.26 +/- 0.82 days in the anti-D group (n = 14) (P =.34). Time to achieve a platelet count >/=40 x 10(9 )/L (40,000/mm3 ) was 1.77 +/- 0.74 and 1.49 +/- 1.01 days for the IVIg and anti-D groups, respectively (P =.32). Children given IVIg were hospitalized for 2.1 +/- 0.87 days, whereas those given anti-D were hospitalized for 1.94 +/- 1.08 days. A net decrease in hemoglobin concentration was observed after receipt of IVIg (9.1 +/- 7.3 g/L [0.91 +/- 0.73 g/dL]) and after anti-D therapy (4.5 +/- 10.3 g/L [0.45 +/- 1.03 g/dL], P =.23). No patient required intervention for hemolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective analysis anti-D was as effective as IVIg for the treatment of acute ITP in children. However, randomized, controlled trials are needed to establish the role of anti-D in the treatment of acute ITP in children.

Major hemorrhage in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: immediate response to therapy and long-term outcome

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively characterized children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who had major hemorrhage to determine response to therapy and long-term outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed the medical records of 332 children with ITP diagnosed at our center during the last 10 years for occurrence of major hemorrhage, defined as (1) intracranial hemorrhage, (2) epistaxis requiring cautery or nasal packing, (3) gross hematuria, or (4) other bleeding causing a decline in hemoglobin concentration.

RESULTS

Of 332 patients with ITP, 58 (17%) had 68 episodes of major hemorrhage; 56 of these episodes were treated with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, or both. The platelet count rose to > or =20,000/mm3 within 24 hours after presentation after only 18% of evaluated events, and 28% of patients with major hemorrhage still had a platelet count <20,000/mm3 after 7 days. Twenty-seven of 49 patients available for evaluation had resolution of ITP within 6 months, 21 had chronic ITP, and 1 died of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that 17% of children with ITP had major hemorrhage. Only a minority of these patients had an immediate rise in platelet count after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroid treatment, or both. Prospective studies of childhood ITP focusing on short-term outcome variables in addition to platelet count should be performed to better define optimal treatment for each affected child.

Current management issues of childhood and adult immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

The management of acute and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) of children differs in many aspects from that of adults. Current paediatric and adult treatment options are discussed in this review in the light of the recently published practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ITP issued by a panel of paediatric and adult haematologists on behalf of the American Society of Hematology. Uncontrolled rather than controlled randomized studies often represent the basis for treatment decisions. Important issues in improving the management of patients with ITP include the identification of research priorities resulting in controlled clinical trials with well-defined study endpoints, the logistics and coordination of research activities and their presentation at international meetings.

Acute autoimmune thrombocytopenia

Childhood acute autoimmune thrombocytopenia is defined as a bleeding disorder in otherwise healthy children caused by transient destruction of platelets. It is benign, presenting mostly with skin purpura and minor bleeds. The diagnosis requires information about previous infections or immunizations, a physical examination looking for signs or symptoms for other causes of thrombocytopenia and a complete blood count with examination of the peripheral blood smear focusing on the number and morphology of platelets. Bone marrow examination is indicated only when in doubt and should be considered if prednisone therapy is planned. A threshold platelet count dividing high- and low-risk groups in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is not known because of problems with platelet counting in thrombocytopenia and the lack of clinical data. Immunoglobulins or glucocorticoids increase the platelet count, probably by blockage of the phagocytic monocyte-macrophage system. However, it is unclear whether this increase influences bleeding or mortality or whether the disadvantages of these medications might outweigh their benefits.

Management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is not an uncommon bleeding disorder with a prevalence of 40-80 per million children per year. Over the last six decades, the subject of ITP has attracted the attention of pediatricians and hematologists. It is one of the subjects which has many controversies because of its unpredictable course heralded by remission relapses, and chronicity with mortality in less than 1% of cases. In the present review only the controversies in the management of acute and chronic ITP have been reviewed as it interests most pediatricians. Management of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage and menorrhagia continues to still remain a challenge in spite of newer therapies.

Prevalence and treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura of childhood in Sweden

The frequency and treatment of children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in Sweden were characterized using a national enquiry based on a questionnaire. Seventy-five children diagnosed as having chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura on 1 September 1993 were identified. The prevalence in children between 0.5 and 15.5 years of age was calculated to be 4.6/100,000. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 5 years and the male/female ratio was 1:1.2. Almost half of the patients (43%) were not treated at all during the disease. Steroids (43%) and intravenous immunoglobulin (25%) were most commonly used. Only two children were splenectomized.