Contemporary management strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a phenomenon characterized by a peripheral platelet count of less than 100 x 109/L in the absence of any discernable cause, with an increased risk of bleeding. Also known as thrombocytopenic purpura, it occurs in around two to four cases per 100,000 adults, with incidence peaking bimodally: Once between 20-30 years with female predominance and also at 60 years with even distribution between the sexes.

The diagnosis of ITP is one of exclusion and includes platelet autoantibody testing. However, it is complicated and associated with documented gaps in care, with preventable delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis not uncommon. One study found that one in seven patients diagnosed with ITP were misdiagnosed and reclassified as they received additional clinical evaluation. Another study found that over 22% of patients with ITP did not receive guideline-recommended peripheral blood film examination. These diagnostic challenges have real-world consequences on patient lives, creating anxiety in 73% of patients who experience a delayed diagnosis.

Treatment goals include prevention of severe bleeding episodes, maintaining platelet counts for symptomatic patients, minimizing treatment toxicity, and maximizing health-related quality of life. Conventional therapy includes corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and anti-D IVIg. However, treatment challenges remain, including variability in practice between providers and high rates of relapse between following standard first-line therapies together with considerable patient frustration. Moreover, some patient subpopulations are more challenging to treat and are less likely to achieve therapeutic success.

Target Audience:

HCPs specializing in: hematology; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists; and any other healthcare professionals with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with ITP.

Cost: Free

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Details

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a phenomenon characterized by a peripheral platelet count of less than 100 x 109/L in the absence of any discernable cause, with an increased risk of bleeding. Also known as thrombocytopenic purpura, it occurs in around two to four cases per 100,000 adults, with incidence peaking bimodally: Once between 20-30 years with female predominance and also at 60 years with even distribution between the sexes.

The diagnosis of ITP is one of exclusion and includes platelet autoantibody testing. However, it is complicated and associated with documented gaps in care, with preventable delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis not uncommon. One study found that one in seven patients diagnosed with ITP were misdiagnosed and reclassified as they received additional clinical evaluation. Another study found that over 22% of patients with ITP did not receive guideline-recommended peripheral blood film examination. These diagnostic challenges have real-world consequences on patient lives, creating anxiety in 73% of patients who experience a delayed diagnosis.

Treatment goals include prevention of severe bleeding episodes, maintaining platelet counts for symptomatic patients, minimizing treatment toxicity, and maximizing health-related quality of life. Conventional therapy includes corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and anti-D IVIg. However, treatment challenges remain, including variability in practice between providers and high rates of relapse between following standard first-line therapies together with considerable patient frustration. Moreover, some patient subpopulations are more challenging to treat and are less likely to achieve therapeutic success.

Target Audience:

HCPs specializing in: hematology; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists; and any other healthcare professionals with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with ITP.

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