CLINICAL MANAGEMENT CONTROVERSIES The Child With Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Is Pharmacotherapy or Watchful Waiting the Best Initial Management? A Panel Discussion From the 2002 Meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Abstract: The initial management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a topic of debate among pediatric hematologists. The de-cision whether to start a patient on pharmacotherapy or to employ an approach of watchful waiting and patient education is problematic for this group of physicians. A wide variety of research studies and re-view articles have been published on either side of this debate. Here, the proceedings from a panel discussion, held at the 2002 American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology meeting, are presented. The panel, composed of experts on both sides of the debate, presented the rationale, benefits, and risks of both pharmacotherapy and the watchful waiting strategy. Key Words: idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura, anti-D, immune globulin, intracranial hemorrhage, platelet