[Therapy of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood].

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura characterised by an increased bleeding tendency is a well-known clinical entity in childhood. From 1983 to 1992 68 patients suffering from ITP were treated at the Children's Hospital of the Medical Academy of Magdeburg. 11 patients with mild or without clinical symptoms and platelet counts of more than 20 Gpt/l did not receive any treatment; all children recovered spontaneously. 38 patients with severe haemorrhagic manifestations and thrombocytes less than 20 Gpt/l were treated with corticosteroids and had a sustained remission. 10 patients who had responded to corticosteroids initially and subsequently relapsed were given other treatments (Anti-Rhesus-antibodies, HDIVG). All patients achieved a continuous remission. A chronic disease was observed in 8 patients; 3 of them were splenectomised. One child died due to massive gastrointestinal bleeding.