Impact of Primary Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists Treatment Instructions on Daily Living: Results of a Multinational Cross-Sectional Survey.

PURPOSE: Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are second-line treatments for people with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). A survey was conducted to evaluate the understanding of and adherence to TPO-RA treatment instructions, and to determine the impact of ITP and TPO-RAs on daily living.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Cross-sectional, self-administered, online survey conducted from September 2023 to April 2024. Respondents were aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with primary chronic ITP, and prescribed a TPO-RA in the last 12 months and for ≥3 months.

RESULTS

In total, 221 respondents were voluntarily recruited by patient organizations and completed the survey. Over one-third (37%) of respondents were given ≥5 specific instructions on medication use (eltrombopag 58%; avatrombopag 24%; romiplostim 9%). Taking treatment at the same time each day/week was most common. Eltrombopag-treated respondents were given the most instructions about food: timing of medication relative to meals (72%), timing of meals relative to medication (65%), and the restriction (44%) or avoidance (69%) of certain foods. Despite this, nearly one-third (32%) of eltrombopag-treated respondents ate when/what they wanted at times, and 64% would prefer to have a TPO-RA with no food/drink restrictions. Compared to before ITP diagnosis, living with ITP negatively impacted ≥1 daily activity or mental health in 89% of respondents, most commonly travelling (for pleasure [69%]). Approximately one-third (36%) experienced an improvement or no change in ≥1 daily activity or mental health after TPO-RA treatment initiation. Eating habits, sleeping, exercise/sport and mental health were markedly worsened by treatment with a TPO-RA. Avatrombopag and eltrombopag had the highest rates of any reported improvements across daily activities/mental health.

CONCLUSION

This real-world international survey showed that people with ITP may experience a negative impact on their daily activities and mental health from their condition. Treatment with some TPO-RAs may also impair specific activities, likely influenced by administration routes and dietary restrictions.