Changes

*A recent prospective study indicated that '''human immunoglobulin''' may produce a significantly better outcome in cases of ITP. This product is thought to act by occupying sites (Fc receptors) on cells of the MPS that are usually used to recognise opsonised platelets and mediate phagocytosis.  Although it seems to be highly effective, this product is extremely expensive.

*A recent prospective study indicated that '''human immunoglobulin''' may produce a significantly better outcome in cases of ITP. This product is thought to act by occupying sites (Fc receptors) on cells of the MPS that are usually used to recognise opsonised platelets and mediate phagocytosis.  Although it seems to be highly effective, this product is extremely expensive.

*'''Vincristine''' is occasionally used in cases of severe thrombocytopaenia as it is thought to cause the release of platelets from the bone marrow.  The immature platelets released however are not completely functional. It also reduces macrophage function by inhibiting the assembly of microtubules necessary for phagocytosis.

*'''Vincristine''' is occasionally used in cases of severe thrombocytopaenia as it is thought to cause the release of platelets from the bone marrow.  The immature platelets released however are not completely functional. It also reduces macrophage function by inhibiting the assembly of microtubules necessary for phagocytosis.

*'''Splenectomy''' may be performed in cases refractory to medical management to remove the cells responsible for the phagocytosis of platelets.

*'''Splenectomy''' may be performed in cases refractory to medical management to remove the cells responsible for the phagocytosis of platelets. Whilst this can be considered in cases that have frequent relapses, the hepatic mononuclear phagocytic system can also destroy platelets so splenectomy does not always ameliorate symptoms.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==