Diagnosis and treatment in children with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP),also called immune thrombocytopenia more frequently by the international,is the most common acquired hemorrhagic disease characterized by thrombocytopenia,presence of anti-platelet antibody in the plasma,with increased or normal megakaryocytes with abnormal maturation.About 70％ of 1TP patients recover spontaneously within 6 months,while a small proportion of patients will transform to persistent,chronic or refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.New immunosuppressive agents and thrombopoietin for the treatment of children with refractory ITP have been developed.Dramaric progresses in the diagnostis,severity assessment and treatment of refractory ITP have been made recently,which is comprehensively illustrated in this review. Key words: Refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; Diagnosis;  Treatment; Children