Prednisone treatment of acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura of childhood. Advantages.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an acquired hemorrhagic disorder, is characterized by the abrupt onset of thrombocytopenia despite normal megakaryocytic productivity. An accumulating body of evidence, including the recent demonstration of elevated levels of platelet-associated IgG, points to an immune etiology of acute childhood ITP. Although spontaneous recovery occurs in 80-90% of patients within 4 months of diagnosis, hemorrhagic complications may occur. Considerable evidence exists which suggests the efficacy of corticosteroid use in this disorder. Several clinical studies have shown that steroids may shorten the time to platelet count recovery, thus reducing the time at risk for hemorrhagic complications. The authors conclude with treatment recommendations for childhood ITP which include a brief course of prednisone.