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Background/objectives: Fostamatinib is a spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). There is little information about dose tapering and sustained remission after discontinuation in ITP. In this retrospective multicenter study, we evaluated efficacy and safety of fostamatinib in adult patients with ITP before, during, and after tapering/discontinuation (T/D). Methods: T/D was performed on subjects who achieved complete platelet response (CR) with progressive, conditional dose reduction every four weeks. Results: Sixty-one patients were included from 14 reference centers between October 2021 and May 2023. In subjects that completed T/D (n = 9), the median time from treatment initiation to response was 21 days (IQR: 7.5–42), median time from treatment initiation to CR was 28 days (IQR: 28–42), median time from treatment initiation to the start of tapering was 116 days (IQR: 42–140), and duration of tapering was 112.5 days (IQR: 94.5–191). The median platelet count was 232 × 109/L (IQR: 152–345 × 109/L) at tapering and 190 × 109/L (IQR: 142.5–316.5 × 109/L) at discontinuation. With a median follow-up since discontinuation of 263 days (IQR: 247–313 days), only two patients have relapsed (at 63 and 73 days). Fostamatinib was restarted, achieving a new CR. Platelet counts higher than 100 × 109/L in week 12 were the only positive predictive factors for successful tapering and discontinuation. Conclusions: Sustained response in patient with ITP treated with fostamatinib could be developed. The prognostic factors and recommended scheme of tapering still have to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder. Although secondary ITP, caused by various underlying diseases, including some malignant tumors, has been reported, instances of ITP resolving after successful treatment of the underlying cause are uncommon and noteworthy. Herein, we present a case of a patient with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) and ITP who achieved drug-free remission of ITP following tumor resection. A 76-year-old man presented with pCCA complicated by ITP. Prednisolone treatment successfully managed his thrombocytopenia, allowing for a left hepatopancreatoduodenectomy. ITP relapse did not occur after discontinuation of prednisolone postoperatively. This case suggests that surgical resection of the underlying malignancy may induce remission of secondary ITP associated with pCCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) in dogs presents a diagnostic challenge, and clinical markers of severity are lacking. Objectives Identify clinicopathologic features that differentiate pITP from secondary ITP (sITP) and markers related to bleeding severity, transfusion, and survival of dogs with pITP. Animals Ninety‐eight thrombocytopenic dogs (58 pITP and 40 sITP). Methods Client‐owned dogs with platelet counts

Background: Primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) in dogs presents a diagnostic challenge, and clinical markers of severity are lacking. Objectives: Identify clinicopathologic features that differentiate pITP from secondary ITP (sITP) and markers related to bleeding severity, transfusion, and survival of dogs with pITP. Animals: Ninety‐eight thrombocytopenic dogs (58 pITP and 40 sITP). Methods: Client‐owned dogs with platelet counts <50 000/μL were enrolled in a prospective, multi‐institution cohort study. History and treatment information, through a maximum of 7 days, was recorded on standard data forms. Bleeding severity was scored daily using a bleeding assessment tool (DOGiBAT). At‐admission blood samples were collected for CBC, biochemistry, C‐reactive protein concentration, and coagulation panels, and to measure platelet surface‐associated immunoglobulin G (PSAIg) and expression of platelet membrane proteins and phospholipids. Dogs with evidence of coincident disease were classified as sITP. Results: No definitive pITP diagnostic test was found. However, pITP cases were characterized by lower platelet counts, D dimer concentrations, and platelet membrane protein expression than sITP cases. Differentiation between pITP and sITP was further enhanced using logistic regression modeling combining patient sex, coagulation profile, platelet count, D dimer, and PSAIg. A second model of pITP severity indicated that low hematocrit and high BUN concentration were associated with non‐survival. Low hematocrit at admission, but not platelet count or DOGiBAT score, was associated with transfusion. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Pending validation studies, models constructed from at‐admission clinicopathologic findings may improve differentiation of pITP from sITP and identify the most severe pITP cases at the time of presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is one of the primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) hematological manifestations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible roles of antiplatelet glycoprotein autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods: The level of plasma anti-glycoprotein Ib, IIIa and IIb/IIIa autoantibodies in 36 pSS patients without thrombocytopenia and 35 pSS patients with thrombocytopenia, 36 Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients and 39 normal control were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The level of anti-GPIb, GPIIIa, GPIIb/IIIa autoantibodies (A490) in the pSS with thrombocytopenia was significantly higher than that of pSS without thrombocytopenia (0.813 ± 0.161 vs 0.688 ± 0.133; 0.917 ± 0.094 vs 0.802 ± 0.070; 0.911 ± 0.125 vs 0.782 ± 0.109). Incidences of the anti-GPIb, GPIIIa, GPIIb/IIIa autoantibodies in the pSS with thrombocytopenia was significantly higher than that of pSS without thrombocytopenia (25.7% vs 0%; 65.7% vs 11.1%; 31.4% vs 0%). In patients with pSS, there was a lower platelet count in anti-GPIb, GPIIIa, GPIIb/IIIa autoantibodies positive patients ((25.67 ± 5.5) × 10^9/L vs (116.8 ± 84.52) × 10^9/L; 29.04 ± 11.33 × 10^9/L vs (152.0 ± 75.47) × 10^9/L; (31.55 ± 14.0) × 10^9/L vs (118.8 ± 85.24) × 10^9/L). Conclusion: Elevated plasma levels of anti-platelet glycoprotein autoantibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in pSS. Key Points • The level of anti-GPIb, GPIIIa, GPIIb/IIIa autoantibodies (A490) in the pSS with thrombocytopenia was increased. • Incidences of the anti-GPIb, GPIIIa, GPIIb/IIIa autoantibodies in the pSS with thrombocytopenia was increased. • In patients with pSS, there was a lower platelet count in anti-GPIb, GPIIIa, GPIIb/IIIa autoantibodies positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by increased platelet destruction and impaired production. There is a high incidence rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China, and it is often observed in clinical practice that ITP patients are often comorbid with HBV infection. HBV infection can not only directly inhibit platelet production and accelerate platelet destruction, but also affect the development, progression, clinical features, and treatment of ITP by regulating cellular immunity, humoral immunity, and innate immunity, and immunosuppressive therapy may cause HBV reactivation and thus lead to complex disease conditions. This article mainly reviews the immunological characteristics, prognosis, and treatment of ITP with HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The short shelf‐life of liquid‐stored platelets (LP) at 20–24°C poses shortage and wastage challenges. Cryopreserved platelets have significantly extended shelf‐life, and were safe and efficacious for therapeutic transfusions of bleeding patients in the Afghanistan conflict and phase 2 randomized studies. Although hematology patients account for half of platelets demand, there is no randomized study on prophylactic cryopreserved platelet transfusions in them. Methods: We performed a phase 1b/2a randomized cross‐over study comparing the safety and efficacy of cryopreserved buffy coat‐derived pooled platelets (CP) to LP in the prophylactic transfusions of thrombocytopenic hematology patients. Results: A total of 18 adults were randomly assigned 1:1 to CP and LP for their first thrombocytopenic period (TP) of up to 28‐days. A total of 14 crossed over to the other platelet‐arm for the second TP. Overall, 17 subjects received 51 CP and 15 received 52 LP. CP‐arm had more treatment emergent adverse event (29.4% vs. 13.3% of subjects, 9.8% vs. 3.8% of transfusions) than LP‐arm but all were mild. No thromboembolism was observed. Both arms had similar bleeding rates (23.5% vs. 26.7% of subjects) which were all mild. Subjects in CP‐arm had lower average corrected count increments than LP‐arm (mean [SD] 5.6 [4.20] vs. 22.6 [9.68] ×109/L at 1–4 h, p <.001; 5.3 [4.84] vs. 18.2 [9.52] ×109/L at 18–30 h, p <.001). All TEG parameters at 1–4 h and maximum amplitude (MA) at 18–30 h improved from baseline post‐CP transfusion (p <.05) though improvements in K‐time and MA were lower than LP (p <.05). Discussion: During shortages, CP may supplement LP in prophylactic transfusions of thrombocytopenic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionImmune thrombocytopaenia (ITP) is an acquired disorder of low platelets and risk of bleeding. Although many children can be observed until spontaneous remission, others require treatment due to bleeding or impact on health-related quality of life. Standard first-line therapies for those who need intervention include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and anti-D globulin, though response to these agents may be only transient. Eltrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for children with chronic ITP who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin or splenectomy. This protocol paper describes an ongoing open-label, randomised trial comparing eltrombopag to standard first-line management in children with newly diagnosed ITP.Methods and analysisRandomised treatment assignment is 2:1 for eltrombopag versus standard first-line management and is stratified by age and by prior treatment. The primary endpoint of the study is platelet response, defined as ≥3 of 4 weeks with platelets >50×109/L during weeks 6-12 of therapy. Secondary outcomes include number of rescue therapies needed during the first 12 weeks, proportion of patients who do not need ongoing treatment at 12 weeks and 6 months, proportion of patients with a treatment response at 1 year, and number of second-line therapies used in weeks 13-52, as well as changes in regulatory T cells, iron studies, bleeding, health-related quality of life and fatigue. A planned sample size of up to 162 randomised paediatric patients will be enrolled over 2 years at 20 sites.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the centralised Baylor University Institutional Review Board. The results are expected to be published in 2023.Trial registration numberNCT03939637.

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is expressed in B cells and innate immune cells, acting as an essential signaling element in multiple immune cell pathways. Selective BTK inhibition has the potential to target multiple immune-mediated disease pathways. Rilzabrutinib is an oral, reversible, covalent BTK inhibitor designed for immune-mediated diseases. We examined the pharmacodynamic profile of rilzabrutinib and its preclinical mechanisms of action. In addition to potent and selective BTK enzyme and cellular activity, rilzabrutinib inhibited activation and inflammatory activities of B cells and innate cells such as macrophages, basophils, mast cells, and neutrophils, without cell death (in human and rodent assay systems). Rilzabrutinib demonstrated dose-dependent improvement of clinical scores and joint pathology in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis and demonstrated reductions in autoantibody-mediated FcγR signaling in vitro and in vivo, with blockade of rat Arthus reaction, kidney protection in mouse Ab-induced nephritis, and reduction in platelet loss in mouse immune thrombocytopenia. Additionally, rilzabrutinib inhibited IgE-mediated, FcεR-dependent immune mechanisms in human basophils and mast cell-dependent mouse models. In canines with naturally occurring pemphigus, rilzabrutinib treatment resulted in rapid clinical improvement demonstrated by anti-inflammatory effects visible within 2 wk and all animals proceeding to complete or substantial disease control. Rilzabrutinib is characterized by reversible covalent BTK binding, long BTK residence time with low systemic exposure, and multiple mechanistic and biological effects on immune cells. Rilzabrutinib's unique characteristics and promising efficacy and safety profile support clinical development of rilzabrutinib for a broad array of immune-mediated diseases.

Young Bae Choi,1,&ast; Hyun Joo Jung,1,&ast; Hae-Rim Kim,2 Soo In Jeong1 1Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea; 2College of Natural Science, School of Statistics, University of Seoul, Seoul, Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Soo In Jeong, Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, 164, World Cup-Ro, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon, 16499, Korea, Tel +82-31-219-5160, Fax +82-31-219-5169, Email sooinjeong@aumc.or.krPurpose: We investigated whether nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was associated with a change in the incidence of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).Patients and Methods: Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Services (HIRA) database, individuals newly diagnosed with ITP between January 2015 and December 2020 were identified. The NPI period was defined as February 2020 to December 2020. The ITP incidence in the NPI period was compared with the mean annual incidence during the same months in the pre-NPI period and the incidence predicted by the autoregressive integrated moving average model.Results: In total, 25,723 patients were identified, and the overall annual incidence of ITP was 8.28 per 100,000 persons ([95% confidence interval (CI): 8.18– 8.39]. The ITP incidence in the NPI period was 6.60 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 6.37– 6.85), 0.77 times (95% CI: 0.74– 0.80) lower than that during the pre-NPI period [8.62/100,000 (95% CI: 8.50− 8.74)]. With the exception for patients aged ≥ 70 years, the ITP incidence was significantly lower in the NPI period than in the pre-NPI period. The most significant decline in the ITP incidence during the NPI period was observed in the 0– 9 years age group [25.76/100,000 vs 14.01/100,000, P < 0.001; incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.54 (95% CI: 0.51– 0.58)]. The intravenous immunoglobulin-treated ITP incidence in the NPI period was 1.69/100,000 (95% CI: 1.58– 1.81), 0.79 times (95% CI: 0.73– 0.85) lower than that in the pre-NPI period 2.15/100,000 (95% CI: 2.09− 2.21)]. The incidence of steroid-treated ITP was lower in the NPI period than in the pre-NPI period (2.73/100,000 vs 2.2/100,000, P < 0.001), with an IRR of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76– 0.83).Conclusion: This nationwide study revealed a significant decrease in ITP incidence, particularly among children, after the implementation of NPI.Keywords: purpura, thrombocytopenic, idiopathic, COVID-19, incidence, pandemic

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an emerging treatment for dogs with immune-mediated diseases, but reports for treatment of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) are lacking. These case reports illustrate the application of centrifugal TPE in 4 dogs with IMT. All dogs presented with severe hemorrhage requiring ≥1 blood transfusions, were unresponsive to conventional treatment or both. Dogs were treated with 3 sequential centrifugal TPE sessions, totaling 4.0 to 4.9 total plasma volumes exchanged per dog. In 3 dogs, TPE was associated with improvement in clinical manifestations of bleeding and platelet count in combination with immunosuppressive drugs. One dog was euthanized after 3 treatments because of persistent severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage. Preliminary observations indicate that TPE is safe and may be a useful adjunct in the management of IMT that is severe or refractory to traditional treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of romiplostim (thrombopoietin-receptor agonist) in the treatment of pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Methods: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov (from January 2011 to August 2021). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), double-blind, comparing romiplostim with a placebo in pediatric persistent or chronic ITP were included. The primary outcome was the overall response rate (platelets ≥ 50 × 109/L) in the absence of rescue therapy for at least two consecutive weeks. The secondary endpoints were the minimization of clinically significant bleeding and the necessity for rescue treatments and the maximization of safety (incidence of overall adverse events) and durable response (maintaining platelet counts for at least twelve weeks). Results: Two double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials (84 participants) were included in this systematic review. Our data showed that, compared to the placebo group, the proportion of patients achieving durable platelet response was significantly higher in the romiplostim group (p = 0.003, RR = 6.34, 95%CI = 1.89 - 21.23), as was the overall response in the romiplostim group (p = 0.002, RR = 3.62, 95%CI = 1.63 - 8.03). Significant bleeding incidents (p = 0.49), overall adverse events (p = 0.71) and the need for rescue treatment (p = 0.13) were not statistically different between the romiplostim and placebo groups. Conclusions: Romiplostim might improve both durable and overall platelet response in children and adolescents with ITP, compared to a placebo. More clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of romiplostim and to compare it with other second-line treatments that are being used in pediatric ITP.

Objective: To evaluate Hem-o-Lok polymer clips’ feasibility, safety and cost-effectiveness in controlling the splenic pedicle during paediatric laparoscopic splenectomy. Method: The prospective study was conducted from May 2019 to December 2021 at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, and comprised children of either gender aged

Objective: Unknown etiology Background: Many drugs have been reported to cause immune-mediated adverse drug reactions (IM-ADRs) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients; the most common is cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR). Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is frequent in HIV patients, and it can be caused HIV, opportunistic infections, or drugs. Although drugs can cause immune thrombocytopenia, termed drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DIIT), there has been no study on DIIT in HIV patients. Case Report: A 33-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with pruritic skin lesion over the entire body, which started 7 days before. He was diagnosed with HIV infection, brain toxoplasmosis, and pulmonary tuberculosis 2 weeks before admission, and was given trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole, isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Clindamycin was added 10 days before admission. Skin examination revealed generalized erythematous macules with palpable petechiae and purpura. The platelet count was 141 000/μL when he was diagnosed with HIV, and it was 2000/μL at the time of admission. Clindamycin was discontinued and he was given steroids and platelet transfusion. The skin lesions improved along with an increased platelet count. He was discharged on the 10th day of admission, with platelet count of 42 000/μL. When he returned to the outpatient clinic on the 15th day, his platelet was 54 000/μL. The skin lesions had resolved completely and become hyperpigmented, and no purpura or petechiae were seen. Conclusions: We present a case of an HIV patient with IM-ADR in the form of DIIT in conjunction with CADR that might have been caused by clindamycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study evaluated histopathological characteristics of bone marrow (BM) of patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and sought to find possible associations among them and clinical aspects. Method A retrospective study was carried out with 120 patients using BM clot and BM biopsy samples, including morphological (cytological and histological) re-evaluation, reticulin and hemosiderin analysis, and clinical outcome review of medical records. Immunohistochemistry (CD34 and CD117) was applied in a group of patients with increased reticulin, with the objective of exclusion Myelodysplastic syndrome cases Results Megakaryocytic hyperplasia was observed in 109 (90.8%) patients and increased reticulin was diagnosed in nine patients, five of them with a clinically unfavorable outcome (p = 0.042). The increase in reticulin graduation was associated with a higher risk of an unfavorable outcome. Conclusion Increased reticulin degree in BM of patients with ITP is associated with an unfavorable outcome in this study. It is rarely explored in the literature and may provide information that contributes to understanding the patient's outcomes.

Background: Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), is an autoimmune disease associated with a reduction in circulating blood platelets under 150x109/L which persists longer than 6 months without any specific cause. With the current study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy in ITP patients with a very low platelet count and normal coagulation status. Methods: From April 2007 to January 2012, laparoscopic splenectomy was performed on 60 patients with chronic ITP who could not achieve a sustained recovery after steroid therapy. Results: Patients consisted of male/female ratio of 24 (40%):36 (60%) with the mean age of 53±15.1 years. All patients had normal coagulation state even with very low platelet count (below 5×103) before laparoscopic splenectomy. The mean operative time was 140.00±15.00 minutes. Blood transfusion was required in 10 (16.7%) and 8 (13.3%) patients before and after the operation, respectively. Preoperative transfusion of PRBC was not statistically significant between groups (P=0.265). Bleeding complications during within or after surgery was rare (5.0%). Convalescence was rapid and the mean hospital stay was 3.58±0.68 days (1-14 days) which shows that there was no significant difference in operative time and after operative hospitalization time among the three groups (P=0.070). The patients made a good uneventful recovery and were followed for at least one week who exhibited no postoperative problems. Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy should be considered initially in the management of ITP. Also, very low platelet count should not be contraindicated for laparoscopic splenectomy in ITP patients and sometimes perioperative platelet transfusion may be unnecessary.

Background/Aim. The availability of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RA) for treating primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has transformed its management over the last decade. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of TPO-RA in adults with chronic ITP treated at the University Clinical Center of Serbia. Methods. A total of 2 8 a dult I TP p atients (10 m ales and 18 females), who were given eltrombopag and/or romiplostim, were enrolled in the study. Data on demographic characteristics, ITP duration, previous therapeutic modalities, comorbidities, concomitant therapy both for comorbidities and ITP, indications for TPO-RA, bleeding episodes before and during TPO-RA, TPO-RA doses, adverse events, and response rates were collected from the patientsf medical records. TPO-RAs were administered in patients with chronic refractory ITP when splenectomy was contraindicated/unfeasible and as preparation for splenectomy. Favorable treatment response was defined as a stable platelet count. 50 ~ 109/L. Results. A total of 22 (78.57%) and 14 (50.0%) patients were treated with eltrombopag and romiplostim, respectively. A good treatment response (GTR) was achieved in 81.8% of the patients receiving eltrombopag and 71.4% of those treated with romiplostim. The nonresponders to eltrombopag (4 patients) and those who had lost their response to eltrombopag (4 patients) were switched to romiplostim. Six of 8 patients achieved a GTR. At the time of TPO-RA initiation, 46.4% of the patients used concomitant ITP therapy, which was ceased in all those with a G TR. T he f ollowing a dverse e ffects of T PORA were registered: transaminitis and transient ischemic attack for eltrombopag. one patient each, and pulmonary embolism in one romiplostim-treated patient. Conclusion. Our study showed that TPO-RAs are an effective and safe treatment option since the majority of patients achieved stable remission without bleeding episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disorder characterized by accelerated platelet destruction. It is occasionally associated with accompanying infections. Here we report a case of acute brucellosis that presented with immune thrombocytopenia. A 73-year-old woman who worked in animal husbandry was admitted to the emergency department with a 3-month history of left-sided lower back pain. She had no history of hemorrhage. Her platelet count was found to be very low. Immune thrombocytopenia diagnosis was established, and methylprednisolone treatment was initiated. Subsequently, Brucella melitensis growth detected in blood culture. She responded well to rifampicin plus doxycycline treatment along with corticosteroids. In conclusion, we suggest that physicians remain alert for brucellosis in subjects with thrombocytopenia involved in animal husbandry.

Background: Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), is an autoimmune disease associated with a reduction in circulating blood platelets under 150±109g/L which persists longer than 6 months without any specific cause. With the current study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy in ITP patients with a very low platelet count and normal coagulation status. Methods: From April 2007 to January 2012, laparoscopic splenectomy was performed on 60 patients with chronic ITP who could not achieve a sustained recovery after steroid therapy. Results: Patients consisted of male/female ratio of 24 (40%):36 (60%) with the mean age of 53±15.1 years. All patients had normal coagulation state even with very low platelet count (below 5x103) before laparoscopic splenectomy. The mean operative time was 140.00±15.00 minutes. Blood transfusion was required in 10 (16.7%) and 8 (13.3%) patients before and after the operation, respectively. Preoperative transfusion of PRBC was not statistically significant between groups (P=0.265). Bleeding complications during within or after surgery was rare (5.0%). Convalescence was rapid and the mean hospital stay was 3.58±0.68 days (1-14 days) which shows that there was no significant difference in operative time and after operative hospitalization time among the three groups (P=0.070). The patients made a good uneventful recovery and were followed for at least one week who exhibited no postoperative problems. Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy should be considered initially in the management of ITP. Also, very low platelet count should not be contraindicated for laparoscopic splenectomy in ITP patients and sometimes perioperative platelet transfusion may be unnecessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombopoietin (TPO)-receptor agonists have heralded a paradigm shift in the treatment of refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Reactive thrombocytosis has been described as a secondary effect of such therapies. However, the phenomenon of extreme thrombocytosis with morphology mimicking a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) followed by fatal thromboembolism is unusual in this setting. Caution is required in the diagnosis of refractory ITP as well as TPO-receptor agonist dosing in such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Data about the presentation and the management of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in very elderly patients (VEPs; aged ≥80 years) are lacking. The aim of the present study was to describe ITP in this subgroup. The data source was the prospective CARMEN‐France registry. Patients included between 2013 and 2018 were selected. ITP presentation and management in VEPs was compared to elderly patients (EPs; aged 65–79 years). We assessed factors associated with bleeding at ITP onset in VEPs. Of 541 patients, 184 were included: 87 in the VEP group and 97 in the EP group. The mean age was 85·7 years in the VEP group. Comorbidities were more frequent in the VEP group (67·4% vs. 47·9%). The median platelet count at ITP onset was similar but severe bleeding tended to be more frequent in VEPs (10·3% vs. 4·1%, P = 0·1) as well as mortality. Exposure to ITP drugs, response to first‐line treatment, need of second‐line treatment, evolution towards persistency, occurrence of bleeding, infection and thrombosis did not differ between groups. In VEPs, factors associated to bleeding were female sex [odds ratio (OR) 4·75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·31–17·32] and platelet count of <20 × 109/l (OR 10·05, 95% CI 4·83–67·39). Exposure to anticoagulants was strongly associated with severe bleeding (OR 7·61, 95% CI 1·77–32·83). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative spirochete that usually affects the gastric mucosa and has a prevalence of more than 50% of people worldwide. It has been revealed that Helicobacter pylori infection is not only associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, but also with some hematologic disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia, iron deficiency anemia and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Immune thrombocytopenia is an acquired autoimmune disorder with low platelet count due to devastation of autoantibody-coated platelets.Case report: In the present study, it was reported an Iranian patient with severe immune thrombocytopenia (platelet count 1×109/L) and Helicobacter pylori infection who achieved a long lasting platelet recovery after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. The patient was followed up for two years and no failure in platelet response was observed.Conclusion: Accordingly, Helicobacter pylori treatment is not only useful in immune thrombocytopenia patients with mild and moderate thrombocytopenia but also may be beneficial in severe cases of immune thrombocytopenia.

Platelets play an integral role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this study was to investigate any correlation between immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NTSEMI), a common presentation of ACS. Using the large Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we studied any correlation between NSTEMI and ITP utilizing ICD-9 codes. We performed uni- and multivariate analysis adjusting for risk factors from the years 2002–2011. Data was extracted from 106,653 ITP patients and 79,636,090 controls. In multiple years of the study period (2002–2011), NSTEMI incidence was significantly higher in ITP patients when compared with non-ITP patients in the univariate analysis (odds ratio average 1.226). However, no significant association was found after adjusting for additional risk factors in multivariate analysis. Based on our large database study, ITP is not independently associated with NSTEMI incidence after adjusting for comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The absence of high quality evidence for basic clinical dilemmas in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) underlines the need for contemporary guidelines relevant to the local treatment context. ITP is diagnosed by exclusions, with a hallmark laboratory finding of isolated thrombocytopenia. Main recommendations: Bleeding, family and medication histories and a review of historical investigations are required to gauge the bleeding risk and possible hereditary syndromes. Beyond the platelet count, the decision to treat is affected by individual bleeding risk, disease stage, side effects of treatment, concomitant medications, and patient preference. Treatment is aimed at achieving a platelet count > 20 × 109/L, and avoidance of severe bleeding. Steroids are the standard first line treatment, with either 6‐week courses of tapering prednisone or repeated courses of high dose dexamethasone providing equivalent efficacy. Intravenous immunoglobulin can be used periprocedurally or as first line therapy in combination with steroids. Changes in management as a result of this statement: There is no consensus on choice of second line treatments. Options with the most robust evidence include splenectomy, rituximab and thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Other therapies include azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, dapsone and vinca alkaloids. Given that up to one‐third of patients achieve a satisfactory haemostatic response, splenectomy should be delayed for at least 12 months if possible. In life‐threatening bleeding, we recommend platelet transfusions to achieve haemostasis, along with intravenous immunoglobulin and high dose steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment Background: First-line treatments for patients with immune thrombocytopenia include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and anti-D. These may be followed by second- and third-line options, including thrombopoietin receptor agonists and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor fostamatinib. These treatments have different mechanisms and divergent adverse event profiles. We show that fostamatinib-associated adverse events can be mitigated with fostamatinib dose reduction and the introduction of avatrombopag, and that response can be maintained with avatrombopag monotherapy. Case Report: A 61-year-old woman with a history of chronic refractory immune thrombocytopenia since 2006 had previously received steroids, rituximab, splenectomy, and eltrombopag without achieving platelet count stability. The patient reported flu-like symptoms in February 2020, with platelet counts ranging from 25×109/L to 50×109/L and isolated occurrences <10×109/L. Platelet counts did not respond to eltrombopag 75 mg/day, 2 courses of rituximab, or multiple courses of prednisone. Within 2 weeks of starting fostamatinib 150 mg twice daily, she reached a platelet count of 523×109/L. She experienced new-onset diarrhea associated with fostamatinib, so the dose was reduced to 75 mg twice daily, and avatrombopag 20 mg/day was added to augment platelet recovery. Platelet levels remained in the supratherapeutic range. She was transitioned to avatrombopag 40 mg/day monotherapy and then 20 mg/day owing to continued supratherapeutic platelet counts. Conclusions: Avatrombopag can be used in combination with fostamatinib to augment platelet response and reduce the severity of adverse events associated with fostamatinib, while maintaining adequate therapeutic response in chronic immune thrombocytopenia. Avatrombopag 40 mg/day monotherapy was quite effective in achieving and maintaining high platelet counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection can have various abnormal hematologic parameters. This report illustrates a case with unusual presentation of COVID‐19–associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, in which the patient did not develop any typical respiratory signs or symptoms.

Background: Platelets are important in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesize that patients with acquired thrombocytopenia such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) may have lower MI rate. Materials & method: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used for this study. We analyzed the correlation between ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and ITP utilizing ICD-9 codes. Results: STEMI rate was lower in patients with ITP. We found that, in 2002, STEMI occurred in 0.64% of patients with ITP versus 0.89 (p < 0.007) and for 2011 0.30 versus 0.48 (p < 0.005). After adjusting for tobacco use, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, gender and age, STEMI rate remained lower in ITP patients. Conclusion: ITP appears to be associated with lower STEMI rate suggesting low platelet count may exert protective effect from STEMI. Platelets are fragments of cells in our blood that play a role in the development of myocardial infarction (MI) aka heart attack. The association between medical conditions of low platelet number and MI is unknown. In order to answer this question, we analyzed data from a nationwide database to search for any correlation between a common type of MI called "STEMI" and a disease-state with low platelet number, namely idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We found that the risk of STEMI was significantly reduced in patients with ITP between the years of 2002 and 2011 suggesting that ITP may exert a protective effect from the occurrence of this type of MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal stem disease. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disease that is chronic and resistant to immunsupresive drugs. Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent used in the treatment of MM. Pomalidomide used by our patient to treat myeloma could cause bone marrow supression. On the other hand, immune system dysregulation that may be seen with immunomodulatory agents used to treat MM may trigger some immunological events. MM and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) coexcistence is very rare. Herein, we aimed to share our experience with a patient with multipl myeloma who developed ITP during pomalidomide treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rare coexistence of disease or pathology. Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is rare in infants under 1 year old. Bleeding often occurs when the platelet count is <20 000/uL. The disease can progress because of accompanying COVID-19 disease. Case Report: A 9-month-old boy, weighing 8.5 kg, came to the hospital with petechiae on the forehead, cheeks, mouth, and extremities. The patient had rhinorrhea for 3 days previously and was febrile, pale, weak, and could not drink. He had the measles-rubella vaccination 19 days prior. Physical examination showed no abnormalities of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth. Heart and lungs were within normal limits, with no organomegaly, lymphadenopathy, or congenital anomaly of the abdomen. Laboratory examination showed hemoglobin, 12.7 g/dL; leukocytes, 7420/uL; platelet count, 16 000/uL; and hematocrit, 37.9%. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 14 mm at 1 h and 21 mm at 2 h. Peripheral blood smear showed normal RBC morphology, normal leukocytes, and few platelets. IgG was reactive and IgM was nonreactive on rapid antibody test. RT-PCR was positive for SARS-COV-2. Chest-X-ray showed pneumonia. The diagnosis was newly diagnosed ITP with COVID-19. Patient was treated with 30 mg/kg body weight/day of IV methylprednisolone for 3 days (250 mg); then 20 mg/kg body weight/day (175 mg) orally for 4 days in 3 divided doses. Azithromycin 100 mg/day, zinc 20 mg/day, and vitamin C 50 mg/day orally were also given. Conclusions: COVID-19 screening is highly recommended during this pandemic to identify it as a potential cause of childhood ITP. Megadose methylprednisolone had an excellent response in alleviating ITP with confirmed COVID-19 in an infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are part of platelet GP complexes have the potential to contribute to the autoantibody production. Moreover, these antigens demonstrate different patterns of distribution on different ethnic groups and variation in some types of diseases. This study was objected to determine the incidence of HPA-1 to -5 and -15 polymorphisms in the Iranians suffering from primary Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Materials and Methods: In this case-control investigation, 30 patients by definite primary ITP were randomly selected and enrolled in the study. HPA genotyping was performed implicating by the Single Specific Primer PCR (SSP-PCR). For the control group, data of recently published gene polymorphism among Iranian Blood donors were deployed for comparison. Results: The incidence of HPA-1 to -5 and -15 polymorphisms in the Iranian patients with primary ITP was found to be: HPA-1a/1a: 0.933, HPA-1a/1b: 0.067, HPA-2a/2a: 0.133, HPA-2a/2b: 0.867, HPA-3a/3a: 0.2, HPA-3a/3b: 0.533, HPA-3b/3b: 0.267, HPA-4a/4a: 1, HPA-5a/5a: 0.967, HPA-5a/5b: 0.330, HPA-15a/15a: 0.166, HPA-15a/15b: 0.667 & HPA-15b/15b: 0.167. Conclusion: This study provides special new data on the distribution of HPA allele among the Iranians ITP patients. Furthermore, it might useful toccharacterize understanding more presizely about ITP and HPA distribution. However, further studies concerning platelet immunology are needed to do help on best practice on management of immune diseases triggered by platelet antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare life-threatening thrombotic reaction to COVID-19 vaccines., Case Description: Two young male first cousins, with a family history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, developed VITT after the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine. Both had a favourable clinical and analytical outcome. We investigated the genetic factors that could be associated with a genetic predisposition to VITT., Conclusions: There are no published cases where the VITT patients were relatives. The genetic study did not reveal any likely pathogenic variants, although the prevalent polymorphism c.497A>G (p.(His166Arg)) in the FCGR2A gene was found in a homozygous state. More studies are required to better understand VITT's pathophysiology and any underlying genetic predispositions., Learning Points: Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare but life-threatening disease, emerged with COVID-19 vaccines.The genetic analyses revealed the FCGR2A gene in a homozygous state.These cases may raise new questions about a family predisposition to VITT., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interests: The Authors declare that there are no competing interests., (© EFIM 2024.)

Background. Immune thrombocytopenia in children is not a rare disease. Currently, this diagnosis is found in 2 times more often than 5-10 years ago. Acute immune thrombocytopenia is increasingly taking on a chronic course. Aims. At present, it is impossible to predict the outcome of the disease. But the chronic course of the disease significantly reduces the quality of life of children and their parents. The purpose of the study is to determine the likely causes of the development and chronicity of the disease. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of 433 case histories of the cancer department of the Regional Children’s Hospital in Irkutsk was conducted. Statistical processing of the received data was carried out with the help of the Matlab program and statistical package “Statistica 6.0”. Results. The main trigger factor is ARVI and vaccination against poliomyelitis. Sensitization to herpes viruses can be a provoking factor in the development of the disease when re-encountering the virus. The brighter the clinic, the more children receive immunoglobulin treatment and the disease often ends with complete recovery. Children with minimal clinical manifestations are treated with hormones and more often the disease passes into a chronic form. Conclusion. If the child is discharged from the hospital with only a clinical improvement, then there is a greater likelihood of a chronic process.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by multi-organ symptomatology. 16% of the patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia have SLE and are associated with high mortality. Intravenous methylprednisolone or high-dose steroids are the first-line treatments in those patients who experienced life-threatening bleeding or have a severely low platelet count, whereas a second line includes splenectomy, as well as other immunosuppressive agents as monotherapy or combined therapy, including azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil. However, response rates of these therapies vary considerably. Rituximab (RTX) became a useful tool in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, due to the decrease of autoantibodies production. In addition, there is evidence that low doses of RTX (100 mg IV per week for 4 weeks) can have a similar effect compared to the standard dose. The objective of this study was to describe the response to low doses of RTX in patients with lupus-induced thrombocytopenia. We present a report of four female patients with newly diagnosed SLE, accompanied by purpuric syndrome and severe thrombocytopenia (< 30 × 109/L) as the clinical debut that was refractory to glucocorticoids (GC) therapy and treated with low doses of RTX. By week 5, complete response (> 100 × 109/L) was achieved in two patients, partial response (> 50 × 109/L) in 1 patient, and no response in one patient. There is little information on the treatment of SLE-associated autoimmune thrombocytopenia. The most extensive study found at the time of our search was the study of 10 Asian patients. They found that 80% of the patients responded by week four and maintained until week 24 of follow-up. At week 36, a follow-up for two patients showed relapse; this occurred on patients with the most disease duration (> 5 years) and was associated with a lower response rate. In contrast, our study with four patients found that half of them presented a complete response: one patient added concomitant therapy with azathioprine (AZA) and another patient without the concomitant therapy. A third patient with a partial improvement, this was seen by week five of treatment. Moreover, a fourth patient who did not have a response by week five of treatment presented a clinical response in subsequent appointments with a count of > 100 at week 24. Those patients who required concomitant use of AZA were patients who had positive antiphospholipid serology. The use of low-dose RTX for the management of severe thrombocytopenia refractory to GC in patients with SLE has a good response. It could be a safe, economical, and effective therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic valve disease (AVD) has similarities to atherosclerosis in the case of aortic stenosis. The important role of platelet in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is known. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether platelet disorders play any role in aortic valve disease. We used patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) for this study. We evaluated any association between ITP and AVD using a large inpatient database. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for ITP and AVD from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database were used for this study. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed on data from 2002 to 2011 to evaluate any association between ITP and AVD. In the 2002 database, AVD was present in 1.73% of ITP patients versus 1.12% in the control population (odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34–1.81; p < 0.001). In the 2011 database, AVD was present in 1.96% of ITP patients versus 1.33% in the control population (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.30–1.68; p < 0.001). ITP remained independently associated with AVD following a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in 2002 (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.16–1.57; p < 0.001) with a trend of this association in 2011 (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.98–1.27; p = 0.096). ITP was strongly associated with AVD over the 10-year period analyzed in a large inpatient database. The reason for this association is not known warranting further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe routine treatment and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic ITP (cITP). Methods: We used data from Danish nationwide registers and medical records to examine routine clinical care, including splenectomy and medical treatment, of Danish patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP, defined as two or more ITP diagnoses at least 6 months apart), i.e. treatment initiation before cITP diagnosis and treatment initiation within one year post-diagnosis for treatment-naïve patients. Results: Nearly half of all 964 cITP patients diagnosed during 2009–2015 initiated treatment between initial ITP diagnosis and chronic onset; 43% received glucocorticoids, 12% received IVIG and 18% received rituximab. Within one year post-diagnosis, 9.2% of previously untreated patients commenced therapy, most often corticosteroids and rituximab. Discussion: Our results are in line with findings of recent studies from other countries. Conclusion: We found that corticosteroids, IVIG, and rituximab are common first- choice of ITP drugs. Bleeding events occurred in nearly one third of treated patients in the year before cITP diagnosis and in 5% of the treatment-naïve patients. A substantial number of patients do not need treatment during the first 6–12 months. However, some of these patients will subsequently need treatment as the disease may worsen, indicating the need for continuous follow-up of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative spirochete that usually affects the gastric mucosa and has a prevalence of more than 50% of people worldwide. It has been revealed that Helicobacter pylori infection is not only associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, but also with some hematologic disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia, iron deficiency anemia and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Immune thrombocytopenia is an acquired autoimmune disorder with low platelet count due to devastation of autoantibody-coated platelets. Case report: In the present study, it was reported an Iranian patient with severe immune thrombocytopenia (platelet count 1×109/L) and Helicobacter pylori infection who achieved a long lasting platelet recovery after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. The patient was followed up for two years and no failure in platelet response was observed. Conclusion: Accordingly, Helicobacter pylori treatment is not only useful in immune thrombocytopenia patients with mild and moderate thrombocytopenia but also may be beneficial in severe cases of immune thrombocytopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is evidence that patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are at increased risk of thrombosis. However, the association of clinical- and treatment-related factors with thrombosis remains controversial., Objectives: To evaluate the incidence and impact of risk factors for arterial and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with ITP and characterize the clinical features and management of patients., Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study (January 1, 2011, to October 30, 2022) of adult patients diagnosed with ITP from an Australian tertiary hospital. The incidence rates of thrombosis were calculated in terms of person-years of follow-up. Multiadjusted Cox regression was used to estimate associations., Results: A total of 220 patients with 1365 person-years of follow-up since ITP diagnosis revealed 26 (11.8%) patients with a total of 37 thrombosis events, 29 (78%) VTE and 8 (22%) arterial thromboembolism (ATE). The incidence rate of thrombosis was 2.71 (95% CI, 1.97-3.72) (0.66 [95% CI, 0.33-1.26] for arterial thromboembolism and 2.05 [95% CI, 1.42-2.95] for VTE) per 100 person-years. Mean age and median time to first thrombosis diagnosis was 56 and 2.13 years, respectively. Age, secondary ITP, lines of therapy, thrombosis risk factors, and thrombopoietin receptor agonist therapy were independently associated with thrombosis. Almost all patients (25 of 26, [96%]) had good ITP disease control prior to thrombosis diagnosis, and antithrombotic therapy was deliverable and well tolerated., Conclusion: Diagnosis of thrombosis in patients with ITP, while infrequent, is of clinical significance. We identified from a heterogeneous real-world cohort that older patients with multiply-treated secondary ITP receiving thrombopoietin receptor agonists are at the highest risk., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Heterogeneous findings have been reported regarding the effects of anti-depressive drugs over platelet counts. Among antidepressant drugs, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) has been shown to reduce platelet aggregation. We report a patient with reduction in her platelets counts as well as bruising occurrence following three days of receiving sertraline. In patients with a history of bleeding, ITP or familial ITP, their psychiatric treatment and prescribing SSRI should be done with caution.

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection can have various abnormal hematologic parameters. This report illustrates a case with unusual presentation of COVID‐19–associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, in which the patient did not develop any typical respiratory signs or symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment to increase platelet counts in Korean patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Methods : A total of 102 patients were evaluated against two criteria. First, those diagnosed with H. pylori infections in whom eradication was successful were assigned to the H. pylori-positive and -eradicated group (n=39), whereas those diagnosed with H. pylori infections in whom eradication failed were assigned to the H. pylori-positive and -non-eradicated group (n=3), and those without H. pylori infections were assigned to the H. pylori-negative group (n=60). Second, patients with complete remission in whom the platelet recovery effect was maintained over the average follow-up period of 6 months after eradication therapy were defined as the responder group (n=58), whereas those with partial or no response were defined as the nonresponder group (n=44).Results : The platelet counts of the H. pylori-positive and -eradicated group were significantly increased 6 months after eradication therapy compared to those of the H. pylori-positive and -non-eradicated group and the H. pylori-negative group (43.2±29.1 to 155.3±68.7×103/μL vs 42.5±28.1 to 79.8±59.7×103/μL vs 43.1±28.9 to 81.2±62.2×103/μL; p=0.041). The eradication therapy success rate in the responder group was 100.0% (39/39), in contrast to the nonresponder group (0%, 0/3) (p

Objectives: To assess the response rate and duration of response in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) receiving rituximab. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 32 consecutive patients with chronic ITP who were treated in two tertiary centers in Oman. Response assessment was based on the American Society of Hematology criteria. Results: Nineteen patients (59%) had an initial response. However, six of the 19 patients lost their response leaving 13 patients with long-lasting remissions. The median age at diagnosis was 25 years (range 14–58). The median time from diagnosis to rituximab therapy was 21 months. The median follow-up after starting rituximab was 26 months. The overall cumulative response rate was 59% (complete response 44%, partial response 15%) and the median time to respond was 30 days with a response rate of 44% at four weeks. In all responders, the cumulative rate of loss of response was 32% with a median time to lose response of 54 months. Conclusions: The use of rituximab in ITP achieves high response rate and long remission duration. Our study was limited by the small sample size and further larger prospective studies are recommended.

Abstract: Objective: To assess the benefits and harms to initiate corticosteroids with intravenous methylprednisolone at a conventional dose (1 mg/kg/d) to treat adults with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Methods: Population stemmed from the prospective multicenter CARMEN registry and included newly diagnosed hospitalized ITP adults with platelet counts<30 × 109/L. We compared the patients treated with conventional‐dose methylprednisolone (CDMP) before continuing with oral prednisone to patients treated with just conventional‐dose oral prednisone (CDOP). The primary outcome was the time until response. Secondary outcomes were time until complete response, response rate, complete response rate, duration of hospital stay, and occurrence of adverse drug reactions. Analyzes were adjusted for propensity score and for exposure to intravenous immunoglobulin. Results: Among the included 87 patients, the median time to response was 3 days in the CDMP group vs 4 in the CDOP group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.35; 95%CI: 0.76‐2.41). The CDMP group had an earlier complete response (aHR: 2.29; 95%CI: 1.20‐4.36). There was no difference between the groups regarding other secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Initiating methylprednisolone at a conventional dose provided no significant benefit compared to giving oral prednisone only to adults with ITP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]