Platelets are a mechanism responsible for blood clotting. Platelets adhere to the area of a torn blood vessel and release chemicals that cause platelet aggregation, stopping the bleeding and strengthening the damaged blood vessel lining.
Low Platelet Count in Children (ITP) Causes of Bruising on the Body
If a child has low platelet count (ITP), it causes easy bleeding and bruising on the body. Some children with severe bleeding may experience bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or brain, which can be severe and life-threatening. Normally, the platelet count in a healthy person ranges from about 150,000 to 400,000 per cubic millimeter.
Children with platelet counts below 20,000 per cubic millimeter have a risk of spontaneous bleeding without trauma or injury, which is dangerous. If your child has this condition, you should take them for diagnosis and proper treatment.
What is Immune Thrombocytopenia?
Immune thrombocytopenia in children (ITP) occurs when the body’s immune system is stimulated to destroy platelets. Normally, the immune system is activated after a severe or mild infection, or even after vaccination, which stimulates the body to produce immunity, such as measles, rubella, and mumps vaccines. This immune response usually occurs 2-4 weeks later and may cause low platelet counts. It is commonly found in children aged 1-5 years.
How to Recognize Symptoms of Low Platelet Count (ITP)?
- When a child experiences trauma, they will have large bruises or bruises scattered on the body.
- Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums.
- In children with very low platelet counts, there will be small red pinpoint bruises scattered on the body without trauma, bleeding spots on the cheeks inside the mouth, vomiting blood, or black stools.
Treatment of Low Platelet Count
- The doctor will take a history, such as whether the child has acute symptoms, previous infections, or vaccinations within the past 2-4 weeks.
- Blood tests will be done. If there is no anemia or abnormal white blood cells and only low platelets, the doctor will treat with IVIG, which binds antibodies produced in the body, or steroids. The response to medication varies by patient.
- In children over 5 years old with abnormal white blood cells or unexplained anemia, further tests such as bone marrow biopsy will be performed before treatment.
Care for Children with ITP
- Avoid activities that may cause bruising, trauma, or easy bleeding, such as adventurous activities or sports. For toddlers, protective padding around the neck and childproofing to prevent falls and injuries are recommended.
- Avoid places with a high risk of infection, as infections may stimulate the immune system and further lower platelet counts.
- Use paracetamol for pain and fever relief. Avoid high fever reducers like aspirin and ibuprofen. Other medications should only be taken under medical supervision.
ITP in children is treatable. If parents suspect their child has low platelet count, they should take the child for diagnosis and proper treatment.
