THE TAKEAWAY
Suspect ITP in a child who bruises easily and who also has thrombocytopenia. Order a CBC and peripheral blood smear to rule out other potential illnesses. Pharmacotherapy, if needed, typically consists of an oral or IV corticosteroid or IVIg; IV Rho(D) Ig may be used in Rho(D)-positive patients who don’t respond to other treatments. Patients with ITP should have their platelet count monitored at least once weekly until platelets have increased to 150,000/μL or higher. Frequency of monitoring may be reduced as the clinical picture improves and the patient remains stable. More frequent monitoring may be necessary based on severity, complications, and response to treatment.
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