Controversies in the management of acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a survey of specialists

A total of 322 physicians, Board-certified in pediatric hematology, responded to a survey designed to determine several aspects of their management of children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The survey demonstrates that, in practice among specialists, a controversy exists as to whether or not bone marrow examination needs to be performed, and how often corticosteroids should be prescribed. Seventy-four percent of practitioners would perform the bone marrow examination, whereas 26% would not do so. Forty-six percent of responders prescribe steroids more than half the time, whereas 54% prescribe steroids less than half the time. The questionnaire ascertained the reasons why physicians performed marrow aspirations and prescribed steroids.