An update on the management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura and emerging treatment options: A review and case report

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura affects both children and adults. It is an autoimmune disorder characterised by persistent thrombocytopenia (peripheral platelet count of less than 150 x10 9 /L) due to autoantibody binding to platelet antigen(s) causing their premature destruction by the reticulo-endothelial system, in particular the spleen. There is no gold standard diagnostic test to confirm ITP. The diagnosis of ITP remains clinical and is based principally on the exclusion of other causes of thrombocytopenia by the history, physical examination, full blood count, peripheral blood film and autoimmune screen. Medical options for front-line drug therapy are corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and intravenous Rh anti-D. Second and third line therapy includes monoclonal antibodies and thrombopoirtin receptor agonist. Transfusion of platelet is warranted if life threatening hemorrhage occurs. This review gives a brief discussion on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of Immune Thrombocutopenic Purpura and a case report.