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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Splenectomy Required For ITP In A Child?

hi, my son is suffering with ITP for the last 2 years. he is just 3yrs old. initially drs prescribed Ivig ing and steroids. platelet count did not increased beyond 15000. then reffered to heamatology drs and they put him on dapson for 9 months. no increase in platelet count. then he was on steroids and azithioprine 50mg a day. after 1 month steroids tappered down and stopped. no improvemnts in platelet count even after 1year azithiaprine treatment. drs now suggesting spleenectomy to the 3 year old boy. is it a suitable option?
Mon, 18 Aug 2014
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
thanx for posting query.
yes spleenectomy is one of the options in case of chronic itp as in your case .
but there are certain other things related to this . in case the child develops severe bleebing manifestations then emergency spleenectomy has to be done .and if this is not the case and the child is stable then it is a wise option to wait till at least 5 yeasr of age and then take a call depending upon the platelet count at that time. till that time you gaet your child vaccinated against some of the disease that are more common after spleenectomy and take care of the child to prevent any injury while playing.
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Is Splenectomy Required For ITP In A Child?

thanx for posting query. yes spleenectomy is one of the options in case of chronic itp as in your case . but there are certain other things related to this . in case the child develops severe bleebing manifestations then emergency spleenectomy has to be done .and if this is not the case and the child is stable then it is a wise option to wait till at least 5 yeasr of age and then take a call depending upon the platelet count at that time. till that time you gaet your child vaccinated against some of the disease that are more common after spleenectomy and take care of the child to prevent any injury while playing.