A survey of the management of Thrombocytopaenic Purpura in South Africa: Do we need guidelines for developing countries?

Abstract

AIM: To describe the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in South Africa. METHODS: A prospective survey was sent to 410 doctors in the country, including 4 different scenarios in children newly diagnosed with ITP, concerning the diagnosis and management. RESULTS: Steroids were the first line of choice in treating ITP. Anti-D immunoglobulin was not considered in the management and most of the practitioners would perform a bone marrow aspiration even if no treatment with steroids will be given. The vast majority of the patients will be treated in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first study done in South Africa (and in Africa) and it shows a great variation in the management practice of children with newly diagnosed ITP. Prospective studies in developing countries where various constraints to health care delivery exist are required to produce evidence based recommendations for this patient group.

South African Journal of Child Health Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 15-18