Part 2: Immune Thrombocytopenia
Thomas G. DeLoughery, MD, FACP
Professor of Medicine, Pathology, and Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Knight Cancer Center, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, and Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR
Question 1
A 4-year-old girl presents with her parents for evaluation after she developed a large bruise after playing soccer. A complete blood count is performed and reveals a platelet count of 11 x 103/µL. Except for a viral syndrome a couple of weeks ago, she is otherwise healthy. She is not taking any medications and there is no family history of bleeding diathesis. Physical exam reveals a healthy young child with no lymphadenopathy, splenectomy, or oral purpura. What is the optimal initial management option for this patient?
