For patients who have not responded to any of these treatments more potent drugs which act on the immune system may be necessary. These treatment options will be discussed in detail by the patient's doctor. For patients who develop ITP while pregnant platelet damaging antibodies may cross the placenta and cause the baby to have a low platelet count. Affected infants may require urgent treatment as soon as they are born. Gamma globulin injections to the mother help to prevent this problem.
Infants usually recover quickly and completely.
Platelet transfusions have only a short-term benefit. They are reserved for patients with severe bleeding or for patients who are about to have surgery. At times when the platelet count is very low patients may be advised to take precautions such as wearing protective headgear or avoiding contact sports. Aspirin should also be avoided if the platelet count is low as this impairs functions of the platelets that are present. Most of the time patients can carry on normal activities but they should always contact their haematologist if they are worried.