Newly diagnosed ITP after going to ER with kidney stones with 12,000 platelet count. 120 mg prednisone daily not working. Next step??

[jason22]

[jason22]

Also from what I've read very rare for a 38 y/o male to be diagnosed. True??

[Older_Guy_With_ITP]

I was first diagnosed with ITP when I was 32 (also a male). I was told at the time that it was rare, but not unheard of. That was back in 1987. They may have slightly different treatment protocols in the U.K. than in the U.S., but it seems that in the U.S., currently, the next step after steroids is IVIG (Immunoglobulin) infusions over 2 days or so. If they can get you back up over 50,000, then they like to leave you off any drugs until you drop below 30,000 again. They are much more "hands off" in trying to avoid a splenectomy or further drugs than they were back in 1987.

[sailor]

Hi. After steroids, Ivig is usually the next drug to try. However, if you are not bleeding, many like me take nothing unless necessary for surgery. You must however do this with the consent of your consultant so he is aware just in case. I have had ITP for 20+ years, steady count of 10 and for the last 12 years have only taken Ivig when I have needed surgery. Just undergone heart bypass and surgeon would not look at me until count was 100+ which is fair enough. It ended up at 176. Surgery successful with no bleeds. Count now back to 45 and I expect it will drop to my normal in due course. Count is not always the important factor. Symptoms far more important.

Good luck.