Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: The goal of treatment in chronic immune thrombocytopenia is to keep the platelet count within a safe range that can prevent bleeding. Eltrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, eltrombopag treatment response and side-effect profile of a total of 79 patients using eltrombopag with follow-up at our center. By comparing our findings with the literature data, we aimed to reveal the differences in response rates and side-effect profiles. METHODS: A total of 79 patients who were diagnosed with chronic immune thrombocytopenia and used eltrombopag, who applied to the hematology outpatient clinic of our center between January 1, 2010 and May 1, 2021, were evaluated in a randomized retrospective manner. Demographic characteristics of the patients, eltrombopag treatment response, and side-effect profile were recorded. Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data. RESULTS: In our study, the data of 79 patients who received eltrombopag treatment were analyzed retrospectively (45 females - 34 males, mean age 49±19.1 years). When the basal platelet count of the patients was evaluated before the treatment, the mean value was calculated as 17,000/mm3. When all platelet values ​​after eltrombopag treatment were examined, the mean maximum platelet value was 127,000/mm3, and the mean time to reach the maximum platelet value was 30 days. Complete remission was achieved in 46 (58%) patients, partial remission was achieved in 14 (17%) patients, and 19 (25%) didn't respond. Sixteen (20%) patients had a prolonged response. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: While basal platelet count and treatment responses for eltrombopag treatment were similar to those in the literature, prolonged response rates were higher in our study. Although the rate of elevation in liver enzyme follow-ups in our study was higher than the data in the literature, the rates of having to discontinue the drug for this reason were similar.

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