ITP is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia in children, characterized by purple welts on the skin. It is caused by the immune system attacking platelets, triggered by viral infections. Treatment may not be necessary for mild cases, but severe cases may require corticosteroids or splenectomy. Other conditions that cause thrombocytopenia include bone marrow infections, cancer, and vitamin deficiencies. Diagnosis requires a physical exam and a blood test. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause, and treatment may include blood transfusions or medication.
The most common cause of thrombocytopenia in children is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP, characterized by purple welts on the skin, occurs when the immune system attacks platelets for unknown reasons. In children, viral infections are thought to trigger an acute ITP lasting less than six months. Medical treatment may not be necessary for mild cases of ITP as they often resolve on their own. Thrombocytopenia in children can also be a side effect of leukemia, bone marrow failure, or a prescribed drug.
Acute ITP is the most common cause of pediatric thrombocytopenia. Idiopathic is a term that means there is no known cause for low platelets. What is clear is that the immune system is destroying platelets, resulting in easy bruising and abnormal amounts of bleeding. It is possible for a viral infection to trigger ITP and then thrombocytopenia in children.
In most children, ITP is acute and can be mild enough to resolve on its own without medical intervention. If it persists for more than six months, however, the condition becomes chronic. The most common treatment involves corticosteroids which disrupt the immune system’s attack on platelets. In severe cases, splenectomy and stronger immunosuppressive drugs may be needed to bring the condition under control.
Other conditions can cause thrombocytopenia in children. For example, bone marrow infections and some cancers can cause thrombocytopenia. This is because platelets are made in the bone marrow. Also, chemotherapy and similar drugs can reduce platelet production. A deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid can also lead to thrombocytopenia in children.
A child with thrombocytopenia has significantly fewer platelets in their blood. A platelet is a cell that facilitates proper blood clotting. When blood doesn’t clot properly, dangerous amounts of internal or external bleeding can occur. In rare and severe cases, thrombocytopenia in children can lead to fatal brain and intestinal bleeding.
The typical telltale symptom of thrombocytopenia in children is easy and disproportionate bruising. Petechiae, or tiny purplish spots, can appear on the legs or elsewhere. Cuts and scrapes may bleed for an abnormally long time, and there may be blood in your child’s urine or stool. A child with this condition may also suffer from spontaneous nosebleeds or bleeding gums. A girl may notice increasingly heavy periods.
Diagnosing thrombocytopenia in children usually requires only a physical exam and a simple blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). A child with thrombocytopenia generally has fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Treating this cause is often the most effective way to treat thrombocytopenia. A doctor may decide not to treat a mild case, while other more serious cases may require a blood transfusion or medications such as corticosteroids.
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