Hematology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Case study of remission in adults with immune thrombocytopenia following cessation of treatment with the thrombopoietin mimetic romiplostim.
In adults, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), characterized by platelet counts <100 × 10(9)/l, is typically chronic, with remission reported infrequently ≥3 years post-diagnosis. The thrombopoietin mimetic romiplostim increases platelet counts and reduces use of concomitant ITP medications in chronic ITP. While often perceived as a long-term treatment, dose-adjustment rules allow romiplostim to be discontinued when hemostatic platelet counts are reached, as reported in Amgen trials. ⋯ No clear-cut predictors of remission were apparent; however, a number of patients had ITP for <1 year and received romiplostim for <1 year.