Short-course oral prednisone therapy in children presenting with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disorder for which management remains controversial. The ongoing goal is to define the minimal therapy required for children with acute ITP. A pilot study of short-course oral prednisone (4 mg(-1) kg(-1) d(-1) for 4 d with no tapering) was undertaken in 25 consecutive children with acute ITP and platelet counts under 20 x 10(9) l(-1). Of the 25 children, 22 responded to the prednisone therapy by achieving a platelet count higher than 20 x 10(9) l(-1) within 1 week of commencing treatment. This regimen was found to be safe, inexpensive and effective in increasing the platelet count of children to a haemostatically safe level.