The Outcome of the Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Pediatric Patient With Persistent or Chronic ITP Unresonsive to Steroids

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a low platelet count, purpura, and hemorrhagic episodes caused by antiplatelet autoantibodies. The diagnosis is typically made by excluding the known causes of thrombocytopenia. IgG autoantibodies sensitize the circulating platelets. It leads to the accelerated removal of these cells by antigen-presenting cells (macrophages) of the spleen and sometimes the liver or other components of the monocyte-macrophage system. The bone marrow compensates for platelet destruction by increasing platelet production. ITP most often occurs in healthy children and young adults within a few weeks following a viral infection .

New treatment guidelines have supported a shift from corticosteroids and splenectomy to newer medical treatments that mitigate the thrombocytopenia and avoid splenectomy. The thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RA), romiplostim, eltrombopag have markedly altered the treatment of ITP.

The thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-Ras) romiplostim and eltrombopag have shown high therapeutic activity In primary ITP.

Romiplostim, a thrombopoiesis-stimulating peptibody, represents a new therapeutic option in adult refractory chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This study aimed to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of romiplostim in children withChronic ITP.

The most commonly reported drug-related adverse effects include headache, nausea, and hepatobiliary laboratory abnormalities. Long-term safety data in children are limited, and studies in adults have not revealed a clinically significant increased incidence of thrombosis, marrow fibrosis, or cataract formation.

TPO-RA do not need to be continued forever; about a third of patients In the first year and about another third after two years have a remission. Whether TPO-RA affect the ITP pathophysiology and directly cause remission remains unclear. This review provides a personal overview of the diagnosis and treatment of ITP with a focus on the mechanism of action of TPO-RA, their place in the treatment algorithm, unique aspects of their clinical use, adverse effects.