Clinical Practice Updates in the Management Of Immune Thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), previously called idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe reduction in peripheral blood platelet count. In healthy individuals, normal platelet count ranges from 150-450 × 10 /L, while in thrombocytopenia counts fall to less than 100 × 10 /L.1 In adults, the incidence of ITP is approximately two to four per 100,000.2,3 Bleeding risks, specifically hemorrhage and intracranial hemorrhage, represent the most serious complications for patients with ITP. Over the past decade, the understanding of ITP has expanded greatly, which has contributed to a number of updates in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.3 This article aims to briefly review the pathophysiology of ITP and summarize updates in ITP management and treatment options in the adult population.