Childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Aggressive management of life-threatening complications
A. L. Lightsey Jr, R. McMillan and H. M. Koenig
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in childhood is usually a benign,
self-limited illness. Life-threatening complications, such as central
nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage, occur in less than 1% of cases. We report
a case in which the patient failed to respond to splenectomy and high-dose
corticosteroid therapy. Immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide,
vincristine sulfate, and corticosteroids in conjunction with frequent
transfusions of platelets was associated with a complete remission that
persisted after therapy was discontinued.
