Abstract
BackgroundImmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can be defined as “an immune-mediated acquired disease characterized by a transient or persistent decrease in the platelet count”. Medical treatment is usually not needed but, in some cases, intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG), corticosteroids, and anti-D immunoglobulins are used. Splenectomy can be an option for chronic cases with no response to pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with ITP in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) and King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in a 10-year period.MethodsThe study was conducted at KAMC and KASCH. The number of recorded cases was 95, which included all ITP patients aged 1 to 14 from both genders who presented to KAMC previously and KASCH currently from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017. The data analysis and entry were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).ResultsAmong 95 pediatric patients with ITP, 51 (53.7%) were males and 44 (46.3%) were females, with a median age of 4.00 ± 3.977. Among them, 84 (92.7%) had purpura, 38 (46.3%) had epistaxis, 43 (39%) had petechia, 17 (24.3%) had fever, and 20 (19.5%) had gum bleeding. Out of 95 patients, 91 (95.8%) were given treatment. Out of those 91 patients who were given treatment, IVIG was used in 84 (92.3%), steroids were used in 44 (48.4%), 14 patients received platelet transfusion (15.4%), rituximab was used in 7 (7.7%), and splenectomy was done in 5 (5.5%); 32 (33.7%) cases were considered chronic (more than one year), and 63 (66.3%) were considered acute. Among chronic patients, only one death was recorded, while in acute, no deaths were recorded.ConclusionIn conclusion, ITP is an autoimmune disease that decreases platelet count. The results showed a significant difference in treatment compared to the literature but similar results in other aspects.
Highlights
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can be defined as “an immune-mediated acquired disease characterized by a transient or persistent decrease in the platelet count”
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can be defined as “an immune-mediated acquired disease of adults and children characterized by transient or persistent decrease in the platelet count and, depending upon the degree of thrombocytopenia, increased risk of bleeding” [1]
ITP usually presents with symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia such as gum bleeding, nose bleeding, easy bruising, purpura, and intracranial hemorrhage
Summary
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can be defined as “an immune-mediated acquired disease of adults and children characterized by transient or persistent decrease in the platelet count and, depending upon the degree of thrombocytopenia, increased risk of bleeding” [1]. It is characterized as acute if it resolves within one year and chronic if it persists for more than one year [2]. Medical treatment is usually not needed but, in some cases, intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG), corticosteroids, and anti-D immunoglobulins are used. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with ITP in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) and King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in a 10-year period
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