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Platelets play a pivotal role in maintaining hemostatic competence. Thrombocytopenia, irrespective of its etiology, is associated with a risk for bleeding. Treatment modalities for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are numerous, but the response is variable, often disappointing and associated with high risks. ⋯ The success of this treatment further paved the way for evaluating its efficacy in raising platelet counts in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related infection and myelodysplastic syndrome. Although there is less experience in hepatitis C than in chronic ITP, preliminary data are highly promising. This review will focus on the experience gained with eltrombopag in chronic ITP and HCV-related thrombocytopenia.