Objective　To study the relationship between DNA methylation and pathogenesis of childhood immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) by examining the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1(Dnmt1) and DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the children with ITP. Methods Expression of Dnmt 1 and Dnmt3a mRNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes in 36 children with newly diagnosed ITP and 26 healthy children were detected using RT-PCR. Results Dnmt1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes in children diagnosed with ITP was 3.02±0.49, significantly lower than 4.58±0.52 in the control group (t=11.95, p<0.001). Dnmt3a mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes in children diagnosed with ITP was 1.49±0.44, significantly lower than 2.41±0.32 in the control group (t=9.12, p<0.001). Conclusions Children with newly diagnosed ITP have lower DNA methylation status in peripheral blood lymphocytes as compared to that in healthy children. The DNA methylation may play an important role in the etiology of acute ITP in children.