Treatment Aims in ITP
1) ITP is a relatively common disorder, with morbidity significantly enhanced in patients who develop chronic, refractory disease
2) The pathogenesis of ITP involves, in a significant proportion of patients, diminished platelet production
Treat clinical problems not blood counts
No single treatment approach is adequate
Steroids remain the initial mainstay of treatment
Splenectomy is effective but should we consider predictive studies prior to surgery
IVIG/Anti D have a place in early and maintenance treatment and in preparation for surgery
Immunosuppressive therapies have a carefully controlled, and often important, place – rituximab looks promising
What will be the place of thrombopoietic agents?