Immune thrombocytopenia
Key Clinical Points Immune Thrombocytopenia Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is
diagnosed in patients with a platelet count below 100,000 per cubic millimeter in whom
other causes of thrombocytopenia have been ruled out. Patients with ITP who present with
serious bleeding typically receive platelet transfusions, glucocorticoids, and intravenous
immune globulin. In patients with no bleeding or nonserious bleeding, treatment decisions
are guided by the patient's platelet count, age, coexisting conditions, and preference …
diagnosed in patients with a platelet count below 100,000 per cubic millimeter in whom
other causes of thrombocytopenia have been ruled out. Patients with ITP who present with
serious bleeding typically receive platelet transfusions, glucocorticoids, and intravenous
immune globulin. In patients with no bleeding or nonserious bleeding, treatment decisions
are guided by the patient's platelet count, age, coexisting conditions, and preference …
Key Clinical Points
Immune Thrombocytopenia
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is diagnosed in patients with a platelet count below 100,000 per cubic millimeter in whom other causes of thrombocytopenia have been ruled out.
- Patients with ITP who present with serious bleeding typically receive platelet transfusions, glucocorticoids, and intravenous immune globulin.
- In patients with no bleeding or nonserious bleeding, treatment decisions are guided by the patient’s platelet count, age, coexisting conditions, and preference.
- Glucocorticoids are used as first-line treatment, but prolonged use should be avoided owing to adverse effects.
- For patients in whom ITP does not remit or relapses soon after glucocorticoid treatment, other medications for which there are high-quality data include thrombopoietin-receptor agonists and rituximab.
- Splenectomy is not recommended during the first year after diagnosis of ITP unless medical treatment is not available; otherwise, it is reserved for patients with ITP that is refractory to medical treatment.
The New England Journal Of Medicine