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Refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura: current strategies for investigation and management
Author(s) -
Psaila Bethan,
Bussel James B.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07275.x
Subject(s) - thrombocytopenic purpura , medicine , intensive care medicine , refractory (planetary science) , broad spectrum , immune system , quality of life (healthcare) , immunology , chemistry , nursing , astrobiology , combinatorial chemistry , physics
Summary There is currently no consensus on how best to manage refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In part, this reflects the need for individualized treatment due to the wide spectrum of patients' requirements and responsiveness to therapies. The objective of this review is to provide a clinically useful guide to current management strategies. This article suggests investigations to identify factors that may exacerbate thrombocytopenia and underlie poor therapeutic responses, and highlights emerging therapies, including the thrombopoietic agents, which are anticipated to dramatically alter the natural history of “refractory” ITP. Morbidity, mortality and heath‐related quality of life are also discussed.