A 28-year-old woman presents with spontaneous bruising and epistaxis. Platelet count is 12 × 10⁹/L, Hb and coagulation studies are normal. She is haem...

Question

A 28-year-old woman presents with spontaneous bruising and epistaxis. Platelet count is 12 × 10⁹/L, Hb and coagulation studies are normal. She is haemodynamically stable with no major bleeding. Findings are consistent with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). What is the recommended first-line therapy in this situation?

Accepted Answer

High-dose oral prednisolone

Answer

No treatment is required regardless of platelet count

Answer

Immediate splenectomy

Answer

Begin warfarin to prevent thrombosis

Answer

Platelet transfusion as the definitive treatment

au-racp MCQ (SBA): Immune thrombocytopenia initial therapy