Refractory immune thrombocytopenia treated with low-dose decitabine combined with recombinant human thrombopoietin or eltrombopag: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune-mediated disorder caused by antibody-mediated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production by megakaryocytes. Treating refractory ITP remains a significant challenge.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: We report 2 patients with refractory ITP.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Two patients received low-dose decitabine combined with recombinant human thrombopoietin or eltrombopag. Platelet counts in both patients increased to within the normal range.

LESSONS: Low-dose decitabine combined with recombinant human thrombopoietin or eltrombopag may exert a synergistic effect in the treatment of refractory ITP.