Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease and characterized with isolated low platelet count (<100x109). There is no single golden standard test for ITP diagnosis. Treatment is not indicated for all ITP patients. Corticosteroids are the first line of treatment. Rituximab, splenectomy, eltrombopag, azathioprine, cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide, dapsone, mycophenolate mofetil, and vinca alkaloid are some of the other therapeutic options. Here, we aimed to present our experience on ITP patients and treatment outcomes.

METHODS

The data of the patients were retrieved from retrospective records between 2015-2021.The study included patients over the age of 18 who had a regular follow-up diagnosis of ITP. Patients with primary hematological malignancy and patients with unavailable data or lost follow-up were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients with a diagnosis of ITP were included in the study. Treatment was indicated in 51 (82.3%) patients. All of the patients with treatment inclusion were given steroids in the first step. In ten patients who didn't respond to steroid treatment, the factors that predicted resistant treatment were explored. Age, Mean platelet volume (MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, B12 and folic acid values were taken for analysis, no predictive factor was detected.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

While steroid treatment is effective in the initial step, recurrences are common. Factors that predict steroid refractoriness seems to require larger studies. Other step treatments should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the time of recurrence. Patients should also be encouraged to participate in clinical trials.