Emerging drugs for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults.

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder manifested by immune-mediated platelet destruction. ITP in adults often has a persistent course and frequently requires medical intervention to prevent bleeding. Additionally, a subset of patients has severe disease refractory to all treatment modalities and no consensus on the appropriate management for them has been found, although a wide variety of drugs are available.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically outline current understanding of ITP and its therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

The focus of this article is on recent advances in the pharmacotherapy for ITP, particularly those with potential and controversy.

RESULTS/

CONCLUSION

Advances in our understanding of critical pathways involved in development of ITP have led to considerable progress in therapeutic strategies for ITP. Further research will ultimately determine the appropriate place of these approaches in ITP management.