Overview

• Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
  • Immune-mediated reduction in platelet count. Type 2 hypersensitivity reaction.
  • May follow an infection or vaccination.
  • Sx → bruising with petechial or purpuric rash.
  • Ix → FBC, blood film. Bone marrow exam only if atypical features (lymph node enlargement, splenomegaly).
  • Mx → usually self-resolving.
• Sickle Cell Disease
  • Prophylaxis → immunisations against encapsulated organisms, daily oral penicillin, daily folic acid, avoid triggers for vaso-occlusive crises (cold, dehydration, excessive exercise).
    • Parvovirus B19 can cause aplastic anaemia. Reticulocyte count will be low.
  • Acute Crisis → analgesia (FIRST STEP), fluids, oxygen, exchange transfusion (for acute chest syndrome).
    • Admit all children with painful crisis.
  • Chronic Problems → hydroxycarbamide (stimulates HbF production).

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features

Investigations

Management Plan

Complications →

Prognosis →