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Long-term management of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura in adults

Authors Palau J, Jarque I, Sanz M

Published 22 September 2010 Volume 2010:3 Pages 305—311

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S4722

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Javier Palau, Isidro Jarque, Miguel A Sanz
Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain

Abstract: Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is generally a more benign disease than previously thought. Currently it is recommended that only those patients with severe and/or symptomatic thrombocytopenia definitely require treatment. Additional factors, such as age, lifestyle, and uremia can also influence the hemorrhagic risk and should be carefully assessed before decision-making on the appropriate management of patients with less severe forms of ITP. The recent introduction of new classes of therapeutic agents such as rituximab and the thrombopoietic growth factors has had a major impact on the management of ITP. Updated treatment guidelines have recently been made available but they are based largely on expert opinion rather than on high-quality clinical trial evidence. This structured review is focused on the management of adults with chronic ITP, including the use of new classes of agents.

Keywords: corticosteroids, splenectomy, romiplostim, eltrombopag, rituximab

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