This handout is for immune thrombocytopenia (itp) — initial diagnosis & acute rx. Your care team identified this based on: isolated thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100k) with otherwise normal cbc — ash 2019 neunert.
Other reasons your team may use this plan: petechiae / purpura / mucocutaneous bleeding — ash 2019 neunert; major bleeding (intracranial/gi) — emergency presentation — ash 2019 neunert; bsh 2024.
Take these medications exactly as prescribed. Do not stop or change a dose without talking to your provider.
| Medication | Starting dose | How | When | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dexamethasone | — | — | — | ASH 2019; FLIGHT — 40 mg ×4d preferred over prednisone |
| prednisone | — | — | — | ASH 2019 — 1 mg/kg/d ×2–3w taper |
| ivig | — | — | — | ASH 2019 — 1 g/kg/d ×1–2d when rapid Rx required |
Plan: ITP first-line (acute)
Contact your care team if any of the following happen:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have:
Hem clinic follow-up; vaccination plan if rituximab/splenectomy planned; transition to chronic engine if persistent >12 months — ASH 2019 Neunert; BSH 2024
Guideline: ASH 2019 ITP Guidelines (Neunert Blood Advances) + 2025 ASH Draft Update + International Consensus Report 2019