Abstract
Medical therapies for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) complicating SLE are increasingly being investigated as alternatives to splenectomy and IVIG. The purpose of this review is to highlight the therapies that are utilized in the treatment of primary ITP and ITP secondary to lupus. Corticosteroids are still the standard initial treatment of ITP, with the addition of IVIG when a rapid response is needed. There are few studies dedicated to assessing the efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic (DMARD), biologic, and nonimmunosuppressive agents as treatment for lupus thrombocytopenia/lupus ITP. Rituximab and thrombopoeitin mimetics have been the most extensively studied therapies for primary ITP in recent years. Results of trials show adequate initial responses; however, the duration of therapy and sustainability of responses are variable. Splenectomy is less often utilized. Although corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and splenectomy have proven to be effective measures to treat immune thrombocytopenia, newer studies have demonstrated positive outcomes of immunosuppressives and thrombopoeitin mimetics. In most cases, the reported duration of therapy was not prolonged. More studies are needed to fully assess the effect of medical therapy in lupus ITP and to determine how long to continue maintenance therapy.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.