Eltrombopag: a new treatment option for chronic refractory adult immune thrombocytopenia.

Abstract

Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated platelet destruction and reduced platelet production caused by antiplatelet autoantibodies, leading to a marked decrease in platelet count and rarely life-threatening bleeding [1]. The main treatment purpose for chronic ITP is to maintain platelet counts sufficient to minimize bleeding risk [2]. First-line treatments for chronic ITP include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, anti-D, and various immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs (e.g., vincristine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine A, and rituximab), with the main emphasis on preventing platelet destruction. However, first-line therapy is often ineffective and can be limited by side effects [3].