Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is an immune mediated disorder characterized by low platelet counts from peripheral destruction. While in children the disease is self-limiting, in adults it runs an insidious and chronic course. The goal of treatment should be the maintenance of a platelet count sufficient to prevent bleeding. Most of the earlier treatment regimens such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and splenectomy were directed towards reducing peripheral destruction. However, newer agents to stimulate thrombopoiesis are under investigation and have demonstrated early encouraging results.