Megadose Methylprednisolone for Childhood Idiopathic Trombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder. Decreased platelet survival is the main pathogenesis, which is related to platelet antibodies (APA). The levels of these antibodies are correlated with relapse and remission which was shown for the first time by our group. Although APA levels decrease in remission they do not disappear as we have shown. Among the several appraches to ITP treatment, oral megadose methylprednisolone is found to be the cheapest and most effective one. For oral MDMP treatment, admission of the patients is not required and there is some evidence that chronic ITP could be prevented by this approach.