Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is ITP?
ITP is a blood condition that can occur in childhood and usually gets better without treatment. Your child’s platelet count has been found to be lower than normal. Platelets are the small sticky cell fragments which help to prevent bruising and bleeding after an injury. A normal Platelet count is 150-400 x109/L. When a child has ITP the platelet count is often less than 20 x109/L.
Why does this happen?
ITP occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognises platelets as foreign and destroys them. This often occurs after a viral illness or can follow an immunisation. Importantly, your child will be otherwise well.
Symptoms can include:
- Bruising
- Pin point bruising or blood spots (petechiae)
- Bleeding
- Your child may continue to bleed for a long time after a minor injury.
Does my child need treatment?
Most children who develop ITP do not need specific treatment. We prefer to monitor the child and the symptoms rather than the platelet number. In most children the platelet count will increase gradually and, in about 80% of cases, will normalise within 3 months from diagnosis. Sometimes it can take a little longer and can persist for more than 12 months.
In a minority of cases, the platelet count will remain below the normal range for over 18-24 months and this is then called Chronic ITP. Very occasionally, in the event of a serious bleed, treatment may be required. If this is necessary, the doctor will discuss this with you in detail.
So what next now that your child has been given a diagnosis of ITP?
Your child will be given 24 hour Open Access to paediatric services at Frimley Health:
For Wexham Park – please contact us on 0300 615 4615
For Frimley Park – please contact us on 0300 613 3493 - 0300 613 3494
You should contact us if your child develops, or experiences any of the following:
- a nosebleed lasting more than 30 minutes
- prolonged bleeding from gums or mouth
- blood in their urine or stool (poo)
- a severe headache
- a bump on their head or a head injury
- any major injury
Once the diagnosis has been made, you will be discharged home and follow-up will be arranged for your child to be seen in clinic.
A second blood test will be taken 7-10 days after the first blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Your child should go to school as normal. You may want to take this leaflet to school for the staff to read. Once the platelet count is over 20 x 109/L, the chance of significant bleeding is very small.
Contact sports should be avoided when the platelet count is under 50 x109/L and a cycle helmet should be worn when cycling.
Avoid the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Brufen, Ibuprofen, and Nurofen, as this type of medicine can affect how the platelets are formed. If your child has a raised temperature, you can use Paracetamol to make them more comfortable. Please follow the directions on the bottle.
You may wish to refer to the following website for further information: www.
Please contact us for further information or advice during the open access period and then your GP.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Paediatrics service.
About this information
Service:
Paediatrics
Reference:
P/018
Approval date:
9 January 2025
Review date:
9 January 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.