Current management of immune thrombocytopenia

Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2013:2013:276-82. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2013.1.276.

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune-mediated condition that results from antibody-mediated destruction of platelets and impaired megakaryocyte platelet production. ITP patients exhibit severe thrombocytopenia and are at risk for significant hemorrhage. Few randomized trials exist to guide management of patients with ITP. Ultimately, each patient requires an individualized treatment plan that takes into consideration the platelet count, bleeding symptoms, health-related quality of life, and medication side effects. This article provides an up-to-date review of management strategies drawing on links between the expanding amounts of clinical trial data and associated biology studies to enhance understanding of the disease heterogeneity with regard to the complex pathogenesis and response to treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Hemorrhage* / blood
  • Hemorrhage* / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhage* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Megakaryocytes / metabolism
  • Megakaryocytes / pathology
  • Platelet Count
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / blood
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / diagnosis
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / pathology
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / therapy
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Autoantibodies