What is the outlook for children with ITP?
Just as we do not understand what ‘triggers’ ITP to develop, we do not understand why many children suddenly recover from it. The majority of children, particularly younger ones, suddenly improve within a few weeks or months, whether or not treatment has been given. Nine out of ten children will have improved within the first year after diagnosis. However, one in ten children will have a low platelet count for some years before it improves. This will not restrict their life in major ways, although it may be sensible for them to avoid sports where the risk of serious head or neck injury is high, for example, rugby and karate. Your child should also avoid drugs like ibuprofen aspirin which can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Finally, you should make sure that the doctors are aware of your child’s low platelet count if they are due to have an operation.
