Guidelines for Management of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is defined as a platelet count of <100×10⁹/L in the absence of other causes or disorders associated with thrombocytopenia. The American Society of Hematology practice guidelines for management of ITP, originally published in 1996, have now been updated by an international team of experts. The team performed comprehensive literature reviews and used the GRADE system (Chest 2008; 133(6 Suppl):123S) to provide the following evidence-based recommendations:

For children with ITP, diagnosis rarely requires a bone marrow examination, and routine testing for antinuclear antibodies or Helicobacter pylori is not recommended. Treatment is not indicated if bleeding is absent or mild, regardless of the platelet count…