Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) with corticosteroids: “Evaluation of Response”

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the response of corticosteroids in newly persistent ITP patients.

Methodology: Descriptive Case series conducted from 30th October 20202 to 29th April 2021 at Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre Rawalpindi. A total of 74 individuals with ITP who were both males and females of various ages. Prednisolone was administered orally to patients in maximal dose of 1mg/kg. The initial reaction of platelets count was assessed on day 5 and subsequently every two weeks until the full response was attained. An informed consent was obtained.

Results: Age was 32.0±19.1 years on average. Twenty-four (32.4%) of the patients were over the age of 40 while the majority (n=50, 67.6%) of the patients were under the age of 40 years. There were 1:1.1 patients that were male and female with 36 (48.6%) men and 38(51.4%) women. Twenty (27.0%) individuals had persistent ITP compared to 54 (73.0%) patients who had just been diagnosed. 34 (45.9%) patients had an initial response whereas 43 patients (58.1%) showed a full response. The average initial response time was 5.47±2.39 days and 11.79±6.73 days for full response. The frequency of first didn’t differ statistically significantly by patient age, gender or other subgroups.

Conclusion: Regardless of age, gender, or ITP type, steroids were associated with an initial and complete response in a significant majority of patients with immune thrombocytopenia. Keeping in view with their affordability accessibility favors the use of steroids as first line in these patients.