 | ITP is considered chronic if it lasts longer than 6 or 12 months. |
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 | severe ITP: platelets < 10,000 at least twice in last 3 months, or requires ongoing treatment to prevent bleeding with platelets < 20,000 |
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| refractory ITP: platelets < 20,000 despite treatment with steroids, Anti-D globulin (WinRho® SDF), or IVIG, OR with significant side effects |
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| Treatment includes: |
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| observation (monitoring platelet counts) |
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| medications such as steroids, Anti-D globulin (WinRho® SDF), and/or IVIG infusions |
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| other medicines such as 6-mercaptopurine or combination drug therapy |
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| in some cases, splenectomy. |
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| The goal of treating chronic ITP is: |
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| to minimize the risk of bleeding, and |
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| to maintain as normal a life as possible. |
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| ITP research is ongoing to learn about how to more effectively manage ITP in children [ITP research] |
