Immune thrombocytopaenic purpura - ITP (Paediatrics)

Haemorrhagic disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are needed for normal blood clotting. People with the condition have very few platelets in their blood.

Certain cells in the immune system produce anti-platelet antibodies that bind to the platelets and destroy them. It can sometimes occur after a viral infection, when taking certain medicines, during pregnancy or as part of an immune disorder. It affects women more than men. It is more common in children than in adults.

Its clinical manifestations may be associated with bleeding of easy onset, such as abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding in women, skin bleeding (petechial rash), tendency to haematoma formation, nasal or buccal bleeding, etc.

The diagnosis is made by a medical history and physical examination. Other tests may include blood tests and cultures, and a bone marrow biopsy or aspirate.

Children often get better without treatment, but some may need it. In adults, treatment usually starts with an anti-inflammatory steroid called prednisone. In some cases, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) may be recommended.