Breaking Down Blood: Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in the Emergency Department

Immune thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia are consumptive cytopenias that form a significant and important part of any pediatric hematology practice. The acute and sometimes dramatic symptoms that these patients experience may prompt initial evaluation and management in an emergency department. Here we summarize key information needed by emergency physicians to come to a timely and appropriate diagnosis and disposition for these patients, while avoiding some of the practical pitfalls that can arise.