 discuss with your consultant.
It is best not to take any holidays abroad in the first three months of ITP as it may be difficult to get insurance. After this time most cases of ITP will have resolved. If the ITP does persist you will need to discuss further with your doctor and you will need specialist medical insurance. A list of recommended insurance companies can be obtained from ITP Support Association (details below)
What else can I do?
Your child should also avoid drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (calprofen) or herbal medication which can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Finally, you should make sure that doctors and dentists know that your child has a low platelet count if they are due to have an operation.
When to seek help?
When your child is sent home you will be given a clinic appointment for review at the hospital and an emergency number (usually the phone number to the children’s ward). You should contact the hospital in the following circumstances:
- A prolonged (over 30 minutes) nosebleed which will not stop despite pinching the nose
- Prolonged gum bleeding
- Blood in the poo or urine
- Following a heavy blow to the head, particularly if the child is stunned or sickly
- Persistent or severe headache
- Vomiting or drowsiness
- Children on steroids are at a greater risk of a severe form of chickenpox. If your child has not had chicken pox then contact the hospital If your child is in direct contact with someone who has chicken pox or who develops chickenpox within 7 days of being with your child.
Is there a UK registry?
To maintain accurate numbers of cases of childhood ITP and investigate possible markers for risk of severe bleeding a UK registry has been established (www.uk-itp.org) Families may be routinely asked to consent for anonymous data to be stored on the registry.
Further reading: The ITP Support Association produces the following booklets available free of charge to members.
- An illustrated booklet to help young children understand ITP. In 2 versions, James tells his story and Jessica tells her story.
- A booklet for parents, 'What did you call it?
- A "School Guidelines'leaflet for schools and playgroups
- A 'Pupil's Factsheet' for schools