Adult idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

ABSTRACT

Fifty three adult patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were diagnosed at the University District Hospital (UDH) during the last 10 years (1976-1986). There were 33 females (62%) and 20 males (38%). All the patients were over 15 years old with a mean age of 3o years. Only 13 patients gave a history of a viral syndrome preceding the onset of symptoms. The most frequent chief complaint was petechiae and/or ecchymotic lesions. The mean initial platelet count was 10,000/mm. Bone marrow aspiration showed an increased number of megakaryocytes without platelet production in 49 patients (86%). Of the fifty three patients, 37 (70%) had a complete response to steroids. Of those not responding to steroids, 15 underwent splenectomy and 11 (73%) achieved a permanent response. Immunosupresion was prescribed in 4 patients with a 50% complete response