Hold et al graded the response of a child with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to therapeutic interventions. This can help compare the effectiveness of different therapies. The authors are from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Criteria for the diagnosis of ITP:
(1) thrombocytopenia < 20,000 per µL
(2) absence of anemia and leukopenia
(3) absence of hepatosplenomegaly
(4) absence of significant lymphadenopathy
Parameters:
(1) platelet count at 1 week after therapy started
(2) presence or absence of relapse
Platelet Count
Relapse
Response
>= 150,000 per µL
none
excellent
50,000 - 149,999 per µL
none
good
< 50,000 per µL
none
poor
any
present
poor
If the patient had a platelet count at 1 week >= 50,000 per µL then the patient is considered a responder. (An alternative would be an excellent or good response.)
If the patient had a platelet count at 1 week < 50,000 per µL then the patient is considered an nonresponder. (An alternative would be a poor response.)
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