CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA IN THE ELDERLY

From a group of 118 patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 43 were older than 60 years at diagnosis. In this repor t, we describe the clinical evolution and therapeutic response in youn g and old patients. The overal rate of hemorrhagic manifestations was similar in the two age groups, but a greater risk for severe bleeding was observed in elderly patients. There were no significant difference s between old and young patients in response to steroids. In none of o ur patients was mortality associated with bleeding or side effects of the treatment. In conclusion, we have observed a more benign clinical course in elderly patients with chronic ITP as compared to previous re ports.