Melia,
My son had ITP at age 3. It is an autoimmune disease where the body
loses track of the concept that platelets are good, and starts killing. This
child is very lucky because ITP is better than the two other options-- leukemia
and cancer. A 9000 platelet level is exceptionally low, and you need to be
careful about this five year old getting any injuries, particularly in the
head. My son wore a helmet until the levels went back up to an acceptable
level, and we let him put stickers on it to cheer him up. We also used to come
up with imaginary games of the secret missions he was on--so the helmet he
needed for his special assignment would stay on his head. Although I am very
aware of how wonderful breastmilk is, it is questionable whether increasing
this mom's supply will actually have any effect on the ITP (ideopathic
thrombocytopenic puerpera). My son had it 16 years ago, and had already weaned by
then. He was given an immunoglobulin IV overnight, and subsequently blood
tested for 2 months, but he responded immediately. It is my understanding that
currently they wait, and most children increase platelet levels on their own,
but if this child is deteriorating, perhaps more medical intervention is
needed. Increased breastmilk couldn't hurt, but considering how frequently the
child nurses, mom may not be able to get much of a supply. The mom needs to
take a proactive stance with the child's healthcare. My suggestion would be
for her to dialogue more with the ped oncologist who is handling this case,
and if it is just her general practitioner, she needs a ped oncologist.
Debbie Albert, RN, Ph.D., LMHC, IBCLC, RLC
Advanced Lactation Care, Inc
Tampa, FL
In a message dated 4/10/2008 11:09:31 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:53:03 -0500
From: Melia B <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: REPOST/update:Pediatric ITP information needed
The following information is posted with mother's permission:Female child, =
~5 years old, current weight 42 lbs. Diagnosed with ITP immune (idiopathic)=
thrombocytopenic purpura 4/8/08http://www.pdsa.org/media/press-kit/faq-itp=
-children-adults.htmLab work (4/8) was normal except: plateletts 9000.No an=
emia, white cell count normal, sed rate was normal as well.Child not on any=
meds, no known drug allergies, no surgeries or symptomsof viruses then. No=
fever. Child currently breastfeeds only 1-2 times/week.Mother is asking:1)=
If it would be beneficial to her daughter if Mother increased her milk =3Ds=
upply?2)Are there any other things that might help raise child's platelette=
s? UPDATE: child's condition has deteriorated. Mother and child are at a Ch=
ildren's Hospital.If you have any information or suggestions, please contac=
t me. Thanks, again, for your help!Melia BoyerLLL Leader
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