Chronic refractory ITP in children: beyond splenectomy.

Idiopathic (or immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a relatively common hematologic condition, but one that the hematology community has failed to reach a consensus on with regard to treatment. In patients with chronic refractory ITP, there is even less agreement about treatment approaches, as this population represents a small, but challenging, fraction of the total cases of ITP. The aim of this article is to review the treatment options available for children with chronic refractory ITP, including a review of the benefits versus risks, rate of remission, and areas of ongoing and future research.

Inherited coagulation factor abnormalities: a pediatric review.

Clotting factor abnormalities in children provide an interesting challenge to the medical care team. Understanding the diagnostic process and the medical management of children with factor abnormalities is crucial, as life-threatening complications can occur. This article will familiarize the reader with symptoms, laboratory testing, diagnosis, and treatment of hereditary coagulation factor abnormalities.

Solid tumors in children.

Solid tumors make up about 30% of all pediatric cancers. The most common types of solid tumors in children include brain tumors, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms' tumor, and osteosarcoma. This article reviews the etiology and treatment of these diseases, and discusses the differences between adult and pediatric solid tumors.