Question

A 6-year-old child presents with ecchymosis, prolonged bleeding upon minor trauma, low-grade fever, weight loss, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms manifested after the child's recovery from a viral infection. The child is diagnosed with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Which treatment will be included in the plan of care initially?

Answer 1

In most cases for children with ITP, it tends to resolve itself within time. So, the initial treatment option would be to prescribe a steroid type medication, as in Glucocorticoids (such as prednisone) and then allow time to pass to see if the symptoms persist. A follow-up appointment will be placed to then determine if the child has had any other symptoms or if the initial symptoms still persist. Thus, surgery or blood transfusions may need to be done if it reaches a certain point.