Alternatives to splenectomy in the management of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood.

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in childhood exerts influence on the medical, social, and psychologic life of the child. Chronic platelet destruction takes place in the spleen and splenectomy results in complete and permanent recovery of normal platelet counts in most patients. Splenectomy is not without risks, however, and alternative methods of management have been sought. Chronic corticosteroid administration, immunosuppressive agents, infusions of fresh-frozen plasma, plasmapheresis, and high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin administration have all met with variable degrees of success. At the present time, there appears to be no completely satisfactory alternative to splenectomy in the management of the child with chronic ITP.