Immune thrombocytopenia in adults: an update.

Thota, Swapna; Kistangari, Gaurav; Daw, Hamed; Spiro, Timothy · Cleve Clin J Med · 2012

review · Level V

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Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults is a chronic disease resulting from increased platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. Splenectomy remains the most effective and durable treatment in cases that are refractory to first-line therapy, but its use has declined because of the availability of alternate medical therapy, the associated risk of infection, and concern for surgery-related complications. Rituximab (Rituxan) may be an effective alternative but carries the risk of immunosuppression.

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