A real-world study of immune thrombocytopenia management during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

Abstract

SummaryThe COVID‐19 pandemic has created many challenges in the management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The recommendation for avoidance of steroids by WHO led to the off‐licence use, supported by NHS England, of thrombopoietin mimetics (TPO‐RA) for newly diagnosed or relapsed ITP. This is a real‐world prospective study which investigated the treatment patterns and outcomes in this setting. Twenty‐four hospitals across the UK submitted 343 cases. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of ITP treatment, but TPO‐RAs were more effective. Incidental COVID‐19 infection was identified in a significant number of patients (9·5%), while 14 cases were thought to be secondary to COVID‐19 vaccination.