Splenomegaly in Arab children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Splenomegaly was found in 31 (55%) of 56 Arab children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Of those with splenomegaly, 84% had evidence of iron deficiency anemia compared to 48% in those without splenomegaly (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of ss-thalassemia trait or history of preceding viral infection between those with or without splenomegaly. This study demonstrates a much higher prevalence of splenomegaly in Arab children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, most probably related to associated iron deficiency.