The response to treatment in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a relatively common illness. The initial recommended therapy is glucocorticoids, however due to low response rate and high rate of relapses, the second preferred line of therapy is splenectomy. About 60% of the patients respond to this therapy. A retrospective study performed in Israel in 226 children and 446 adults with ITP has evaluated the response to steroids and splenectomy. The response rates were similar to reported studies and no significant differences were observed between children and adults. The possibilities of treating patients who fail splenectomy and exhibit refractory disease are summarized.