Acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura in children and adolescents in South Dakota 1998-2004.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), also known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is a rare bleeding disorder caused by increased peripheral platelet destruction. The laboratory and clinical criteria for establishing the diagnosis of acute ITP in children and adolescents are widely accepted. Treatment options for ITP remain controversial.