Immune thrombocytopenia is the most common diagnosis
of isolated thrombocytopenia. The dilemma encountered by
paediatricians is missing diagnosis of acute leukaemia in
children with isolated thrombocytopenia. We demonstrated
childhood ITP could be diagnosed using a four point clinical
criteria without missing a diagnosis of acute leukaemia.
Hence, bone marrow examination is not necessary in
children with typical features compatible with ITP prior to
steroid therapy. This can encourage paediatricians to
choose steroid therapy, which is cheaper and non-blood
product, as first line platelet elevating therapy in children
with significant haemorrhage.
Thrombocytopenic