Treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in adults in Kyrgyzstan: a two-center retrospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired thrombocytopenia characterized by a platelet count of 100x109/l and caused by immune-mediated destruction of platelets. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the first and subsequent lines of therapy for adult patients with ITP. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 172 patients with ITP and a mean age of 44.2±5.71 years at the time of diagnosis and/or who were treated for ITP at participating centers such as south and republican centers in Kyrgyzstan during the study period from 2015–2022. Analyzing patient medical records yielded detailed data on treatment strategies and results. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean number of platelets between clinical centers (26.2 versus 14.5×109 cells/l, p<0.05), and the mean number of platelets at admission to the hospital was 17.1±1.84×109 cells/l. 113 (65.7%) had primary ITP, and the remaining 59 (34.3%) had secondary ITP. 35.6% of patients with secondary causes were infected (including those with Helicobacter pylori but not others). Conclusion: Patients with adult ITP can be effectively treated with conservative methods in 45.4–77.6% of cases. These treatments include prednisone, dexamethasone, and their combination with intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, and azathioprine.