[en] The Belgian Hematology Society (BHS) updated the 2013 guidelines for diagnosis and treatment
of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) [1]. As knowledge about ITP pathophysiology
is increasing, the mode of action of old therapies is better understood and novel drugs are
introduced to target more specific pathways.
Corticosteroids with or without intravenous immunoglobulins (IgIV) remain the first-line treatment.
According to the updated international guidelines a short course of corticosteroids
rather than a prolonged treatment has to be recommended. The same guidelines stress that
consequent therapies as thrombopoietic agents (TPO-RAs) and rituximab should be available
independent of duration of ITP.
Although the majority of recommendations is based on very low-quality evidence, it is strongly
advised to individualize the ITP management taking patient values. and preferences in account.
The main treatment goal in all ITP patients must be to maintain a safe platelet count to prevent
or stop bleeding with a minimum of toxicity and not to normalize the platelet count.
Disciplines :
Hematology
Author, co-author :
Janssens, A.
Selleslag, Dominik
Depaus, J.
BEGUIN, Yves ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Département de médecine interne > Service d'hématologie clinique
Lambert, C.
Language :
English
Title :
Primary immune thrombocytopenia in adults. Belgian recommendations for diagnosis and treatment anno 2021 made by the Belgian Hematology Society
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