Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) — in children 15 years and younger

Version: 3.3
Published: 12 November 2025
Condition for which Ig has an emerging therapeutic role.

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Specific Conditions
  • ITP - child - newly diagnosed
  • ITP - child - persistent
  • ITP - child - chronic
  • Evans syndrome child - with significant ITP
Indication for Ig Use
  • Treatment of life-threatening bleeding in a child with ITP
  • Treatment of significant bleeding in newly diagnosed or persistent ITP with a platelet count less than 30 x109/L
  • Treatment of moderate to severe bleeding in chronic ITP in responsive patients with platelet count less than 30 x109/L where other therapeutic options have failed or are contraindicated
  • Treatment to elevate platelet count to haemostatically safe levels prior to surgery in responsive patients with chronic ITP
Level of Evidence Clear evidence of benefit (Category 1)
Description and Diagnostic Criteria

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a reduction in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) resulting from shortened platelet survival due to anti-platelet antibodies. When counts are very low (<30 x109/L), bleeding into the skin (purpura) and mucous membranes can occur. Bone marrow morphology is normal. In some cases, there is additional impairment of platelet function related to antibody binding to glycoproteins on the platelet surface. ITP is divided into three phases of disease: newly diagnosed (less than 3 months since diagnosis), persistent (greater than 3 months but less than 12 months) and chronic (greater than 12 months). In children, the newly diagnosed and persistent forms are the most common. The disease tends to present abruptly with dramatic evidence of bleeding into the skin (petechiae and purpura) and mucous membranes (gum bleeding, nose bleeds, blood blisters).

Evans syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disease defined by the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and ITP without underlying aetiology. As such, it is a diagnosis of exclusion and other disorders, such as collagen vascular diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma should be ruled out.

The 2005 review by Norton and Roberts provided perspective on diagnosis, clinical features and management.

Occurrence
Girls and boys are affected equally. In 75% of patients, the episode follows vaccination or a viral infection such as varicella or infectious mononucleosis.

Prognosis
At least 80–90% of children will have spontaneous remission of their disease within 6–12 months. In 5–10% of cases, the disease may become chronic (lasting >12 months). Morbidity and mortality from newly diagnosed or persistent ITP is very low.
Justification for Evidence Category

The Category 1 classification in the Biotext (2004) review was based on four low–moderate quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The Frommer and Madronio (2006) review identified a good-quality systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs to support the Category 1 classification.

A 2005 review on the management of Evans syndrome, based on Massachusetts Hospital data and a literature review, showed a transient response in all patients unless IVIg was given every three weeks (Norton and Roberts, 2005). The review concluded that the data supported a role for IVIg in first-line therapy. It was not clear whether it was important for steroids to be given at the same time, although this is common practice. A total dose of 2 g/kg in divided doses appeared to be sufficient. The review also stated that there might be a role for IVIg in preference to steroids in the ‘acute’ setting in very young children.

A recent meta-analysis of 13 small RCTs comparing high dose (2 g/kg) to lower dose (1 g/kg) IVIg in newly diagnosed/persistent ITP demonstrated equivalent efficacy for all endpoints including platelet responses and control of bleeding (Qin et al, 2010).
Qualifying Criteria for Ig Therapy
Treatment of life-threatening bleeding in a child with ITP
  • Life-threatening bleeding due to thrombocytopenia
  • AND
  • Current platelet count less than 50 x109/L
Treatment of significant bleeding in newly diagnosed or persistent ITP with a platelet count less than 30 x109/L
ITP is divided into three phases of disease: newly diagnosed (less than 3 months since diagnosis), persistent (greater than 3 months but less than 12 months) and chronic (greater than 12 months).

  • Current platelet count is less than 30 x109/L
  • AND
  • Moderate to severe mucosal and/or cutaneous bleeding
Treatment of moderate to severe bleeding in chronic ITP in responsive patients with platelet count less than 30 x109/L where other therapeutic options have failed or are contraindicated
ITP is divided into three phases of disease: newly diagnosed (less than 3 months since diagnosis), persistent (greater than 3 months but less than 12 months) and chronic (greater than 12 months).

  • Current platelet count less than 30 x109/L in a patient with chronic ITP with previously demonstrated response to Ig therapy
AND
  • Moderate to severe bleeding symptoms
  • OR
  • There is a risk of clinically significant bleeding
AND
  • Other therapeutic options have failed
  • OR
  • Other therapeutic options are contraindicated
Treatment to elevate platelet count to haemostatically safe levels prior to surgery in responsive patients with chronic ITP
ITP is divided into three phases of disease: newly diagnosed (less than 3 months since diagnosis), persistent (greater than 3 months but less than 12 months) and chronic (greater than 12 months).

  • Chronic ITP and previous documented response to Ig therapy
AND
  • Pending surgery requiring haemostatically safe platelet count for relevant procedure:
    • minor dental work (>30 x109/L)
    • major dental (>80 x109/L)
    • minor surgery (>50 x109/L)
    • major surgery (>80 x109/L)
    • major neurosurgery (>100 x109/L)
Exclusion Criteria Evans syndrome where predominant feature is AIHA - see  Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA)
Evidence of thrombocytopenia <30 x109/L in offspring of a mother with ITP - see  Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT)
Review Criteria for Assessing the Effectiveness of Ig Use
Treatment of life-threatening bleeding in a child with ITP
Review is not mandated for this indication, however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.

  • Resolution of active bleeding, or reduction in evidence of bleeding correlating with a doubling of platelet count or a platelet count greater than 30 x109/L within 7 days of Ig therapy
Treatment of significant bleeding in newly diagnosed or persistent ITP with a platelet count less than 30 x109/L
Review is not mandated for this indication, however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.

  • Resolution of active bleeding, or reduction in evidence of bleeding correlating with a doubling of platelet count or a platelet count greater than 30 x109/L within 7 days of Ig therapy 
Treatment of moderate to severe bleeding in chronic ITP in responsive patients with platelet count less than 30 x109/L where other therapeutic options have failed or are contraindicated
Review must be undertaken 6 monthly by a haematologist, paediatrician, or general physician.
 
Documentation of clinical effectiveness is necessary for continuation of IVIg therapy.

Clinical effectiveness of Ig therapy may be demonstrated by:

On review of the initial authorisation period

  • The platelet count responds to Ig therapy but cannot be maintained above 30 x109/L
AND
  • Ig therapy resulted in resolution of active bleeding, or a reduction in evidence of bleeding correlating with a doubling of platelet count or an increase in platelet count by an increment of greater than 10x109/L within 7 days of Ig therapy
  • OR
  • In patients without active bleeding, a doubling of baseline platelet count and a rise in platelet count to greater than 30 x109/L was demonstrated within 7 days of the most recent Ig therapy

On review of a continuing authorisation period

  • The platelet count responds to Ig therapy but cannot be maintained above 30x109/L
AND
  • Ig therapy resulted in resolution of active bleeding or a reduction in evidence of bleeding, correlating with a doubling of baseline platelet count or an increase in platelet count by increment of greater than 10 x109/L within 7 days of Ig therapy
  • OR
  • In patients without active bleeding, a doubling of baseline platelet count and a rise in platelet count to greater than 30 x109/L was demonstrated within 7 days of previous Ig therapy
The objective of therapy is to maintain a safe platelet count while other treatment options are explored.
Treatment to elevate platelet count to haemostatically safe levels prior to surgery in responsive patients with chronic ITP
Review is not mandated for this indication, however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.

  • Resolution of active bleeding, or reduction in evidence of bleeding correlating with a doubling of platelet count or a platelet count greater than 30 x109/L within 7 days of Ig therapy
  • OR
  • In patients without active bleeding a doubling of baseline platelet count and a rise in platelet count greater than 30 x109/L was demonstrated within 7 days of Ig therapy
Dose
Treatment of life-threatening bleeding in a child with ITP
  • Initial therapy (IVIg) - 0.8 g/kg as an initial dose.
    One repeat dose at 24 to 48 hours may be given if response is inadequate and symptomatic thrombocytopenia recurs, provided a total dose of 2 g/kg is not exceeded. The duration of response to the initial dose is typically 2-4 weeks.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.
 
Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications.
 Dose Calculator
Treatment of significant bleeding in newly diagnosed or persistent ITP with a platelet count less than 30 x109/L
  • Initial therapy (IVIg) - 0.8 g/kg given as an initial dose.
    One repeat dose at 24 to 48 hours may be given if response is inadequate and symptomatic thrombocytopenia recurs provided a total dose of 2 g/kg is not exceeded. The duration of response to the initial dose is typically 2-4 weeks.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.

Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications.
 Dose Calculator
Treatment of moderate to severe bleeding in chronic ITP in responsive patients with platelet count less than 30 x109/L where other therapeutic options have failed or are contraindicated
  • Initial therapy (IVIg) - 0.8 g/kg as an initial dose.

     
  • Maintenance Dose (IVIg) - 0.4–2 g/kg in a single or divided dose at 4 to 6 weekly intervals, titrated to symptoms and platelet count up to a maximum of 2 g/kg/4 week period.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.

Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications.
 Dose Calculator
Treatment to elevate platelet count to haemostatically safe levels prior to surgery in responsive patients with chronic ITP
  • Initial therapy (IVIg) - 0.8 g/kg as an initial dose.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.

Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications.
 Dose Calculator
Bibliography

Beck CE, Nathan PC, Parkin PC et al (2005) ‘Corticosteroids versus intravenous immune globulin for the treatment of acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials’, Journal of Paediatrics, 147(4):521–7, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.04.032. 

Bierling P & Godeau B (2005) ‘Intravenous immunoglobulin for autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura’, Human Immunology, 66(4):387–94, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humimm.2005.01.024. 

Biotext (2004) ‘Summary data on conditions and papers’, in A systematic literature review and report on the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and its risks, commissioned by the National Blood Authority on behalf of all Australian Governments. Available from: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3808068. 

British Society for Standards in Haematology General Haematology Task Force (2003) ‘Guidelines for the investigation and management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, children and in pregnancy’, British Journal of Haematology, 120(4):574–96, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04131.x. 

Frommer M & Madronio C (2006), The use of intravenous immunoglobulin in Australia. A report for the National Blood Authority, Part B: systematic literature review, Sydney Health Projects Group, University of Sydney, Sydney, pp. 11–12.

George JN, Woolf SH, Raskob GE et al (1996), ‘Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a practice guideline developed by explicit methods for The American Society of Haematology’, Blood, 88(1):3–40, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8704187/.

Neunert C, Lim W et al (2011) ‘The American Society of Hematology 2011 evidence-based practice guideline for immune thrombocytopenia.’ Blood, 117(16):4190-207, https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2010-08-302984. 

Norton A & Roberts I (2005) 'Management of Evans syndrome', British Journal of Haematology, 132(2):125-37, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2141.2005.05809.x.   

Warrier I, Bussel JB, Valdez L et al (1997) ‘Safety and efficacy of low dose intravenous immune globulin treatment for infants and children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura’, Journal of Paediatric Hematology/Oncology, 19(3):197–201, https://doi.org/10.1097/00043426-199705000-00004.