Immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Need for an individualized approach
Rubins, J.M.; Woll, J.E.
New York State Journal of Medicine 81(12): 1743-1747
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-7628 PMID: 6949050 Document Number: 171901
A retrospective study of patients with ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura) treated in a community hospital during 1974-1980 is presented. Of the patients, 80% (16 of 20), under 55 yr of age required splenectomy, compared with only 25% (2 of 8) of those older than 55 yr. No differences in the duration of symptoms, platelet count or severity of illness were noted between the 2 groups. Three of 4 younger patients who did not require splenectomy were diagnosed during pregnancy or at the time of delivery. A conservative approach may therefore be indicated in certain selected subgroups of patients with ITP.