A chronic disorder in adults caused by antiplatelet antibodies, and thrombocytopenia discovered in absence of other causes (drug-induced, viral suppression or marrow infiltration). Presents as mild mucocutaneous bleed that develops over several weeks.
Treatment
Occasional skin purpura (Dr.) requires No treatment. More severe bleeds require steroids-Prednisone 1mg/kg orally qd. For 3-6 months. Despite slow taper, many patients continue to have chronic problem and may need additional therapy (to maintain platelet counts over 30,000) – with intermittent steroids, IV immune Globulin – (1 g/kg IV qd for 2 days (which can raise up platelet counts temporarily), or anti-Rh(D) (which can be used only in Rh(D)-positive patients with intact spleen. Splenectomy may be required for those refractory to steroids, or need very high maintenance doses with dangerous side effects,a ndcan salvage two-thirds of such patients.
