Fatigue in immune thrombocytopenia

Use of real-world data for the development and the follow-up of drugs in rare diseases. The example of immune thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia

This review describes the role of real-world data (RWD) at each step of drug development for rare diseases like immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). We also describe the main sources of RWD in rare diseases and how the generation of real-world evidence (RWE) is crucial for decisions of regulatory health agencies regarding drugs for rare disease.

Efficacy and Safety Results With Rilzabrutinib, an Oral Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenia: Phase 2 Part B Study

Current treatments for persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are limited by inadequate response, toxicity, and impaired quality of life. The Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor rilzabrutinib was evaluated to further characterize safety and durability of platelet response. LUNA2 Part B is a multicenter, phase 1/2 study in adults with ITP (≥ 3 months duration, platelet count < 30 × 109/L) who failed ≥ 1 ITP therapy (NCT03395210, EudraCT 2017-004012-19). Oral rilzabrutinib 400 mg bid was given over 24 weeks, with optional long-term extension (LTE). Primary endpoints were safety and platelet counts ≥ 50 × 109/L on ≥ 8 of the last 12 weeks of main treatment without rescue medication. From 22 March2018 to 31 January2023, 26 patients were enrolled. Patients had baseline median platelet count 13 × 109/L, ITP duration 10.3 years, and six prior ITP therapies (46% splenectomized). Nine (35%) patients achieved the primary endpoint. Platelet counts ≥ 50 × 109/L or ≥ 30 × 109/L and doubling from baseline without rescue therapy were sustained for a mean 9.3 weeks. 11 (42%) LTE-eligible patients were ongoing with median LTE platelet > 80 × 109/L. Three (12%) patients received rescue medication during main treatment, none in LTE. Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in fatigue and women's health. With a median treatment duration of 167 days (main treatment), 16 (62%) patients had ≥ 1 treatment-related adverse event (AE), mainly grade 1, including diarrhea (35%), headache (23%), and nausea (15%). There was no treatment-related grade ≥ 2 bleeding/thrombotic events/infections, serious AE, or death. Rilzabrutinib continues to demonstrate durable platelet responses with favorable safety profile in previously treated ITP patients. Trial Registration: NCT03395210, EudraCT 2017-004012-19.

Patient-centric care in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): shared decision-making and assessment of health-related quality of life

ABSTRACTImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoimmune disease characterized by low platelet counts and increased bleeding risk, can impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL), impacting patients' daily lives and mental health. A number of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures (both generic and specific to ITP) can be used to understand the impact of ITP on HRQoL and generate evidence to guide disease management. As well-developed PRO tools could help in HRQoL assessment, their optimization could help to solidify a patient-centric approach to ITP management. Shared decision-making is a collaborative process between a patient and their healthcare professional in making decisions about care. Treatment decisions based on this shared process between physician and patient are recommended by clinical guidelines. The goal of this narrative review is to discuss treatment decisions with regards to patient-centric ITP management, with a focus on the impact of PRO measures and the process of shared decision-making in practice.

Desialylation and Apoptosis in Immune Thrombocytopenia: Implications for Pathogenesis and Treatment

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease in which platelet autoantibodies play a significant role in its pathogenesis. Regulatory T cell dysfunction and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity also contribute to thrombocytopenia. Current therapies are directed towards immune suppression and modulation as well as stimulation of platelet production with thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Additional mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ITP have been suggested by recent experimental data. One of these processes, known as desialylation, involves antibody-induced removal of terminal sialic acid residues on platelet surface glycoproteins, leading to hepatic platelet uptake and thrombocytopenia. Apoptosis, or programmed platelet death, may also contribute to the pathogenesis of ITP. The extent of the impact of desialylation and apoptosis on ITP, the relative proportion of patients affected, and the role of antibody specificity are still the subject of investigation. This review will discuss both historical and new evidence of the influence of desialylation and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of ITP, with an emphasis on the clinical implications of these developments. Further understanding of both platelet desialylation and apoptosis might change current clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

[Pathophysiology and Diagnostics of Immune Thrombocytopenia]

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is due to autoantibodies against platelet surface antigens. ITP is considered as either primary, with no clear etiology, or as secondary ITP (drug-induced; underlying diseases). Autoantibodies lead both to loss of platelets in the spleen and/or liver but simultaneously reduce their production. Contrary to other disorders with thrombocytopenia, ITP has reduced levels of thrombopoetin. ITP remains a diagnosis of exclusion. A single defining laboratory test does not exist. Glycoprotein-specific antibodies can be detected in only about 50% of cases. Ruling out EDTA-induced pseudo thrombocytopenia is of particular relevance. Secondary causes of thrombocytopenia should be excluded through medical history (especially medication history), physical examination and possibly bone-marrow puncture.

Comprehensive analysis of the clinical manifestations and hematological parameters associated with secondary immune thrombocytopenia in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome: An observational study

Primary Sjögren Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects exocrine glands and can lead to various extraglandular manifestations, including secondary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Understanding the clinical and hematological differences in pSS patients with and without secondary ITP is crucial for improved patient management and treatment strategies. This retrospective study, conducted from January 2020 to December 2023, involved a cohort of pSS patients, dividing them into 2 groups: those with secondary ITP and those without. Patients were evaluated using the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), EULAR Sjögren Syndrome Patient-Reported Index (ESSPRI), Health Assessment Questionnaire, and other hematological parameters. Inclusion criteria were based on the American-European Consensus Group or ACR/EULAR classification criteria for pSS. Exclusion criteria included other autoimmune or hematological disorders, prior splenectomy, recent blood transfusions, and lack of informed consent. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with various tests applied to analyze the data, including logistic regression to identify risk factors for secondary ITP. Significant differences were noted in fatigue, lymphadenopathy, arthritis, mean age, and ESSDAI scores between the secondary ITP and non-secondary ITP groups. Patients with secondary ITP exhibited higher platelet counts, more prevalent lymphopenia, higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, lower complement 3 levels, and reduced white blood cell and hemoglobin levels. Logistic regression analysis identified lymphadenopathy as a risk factor and arthritis as a protective factor for the development of secondary ITP. The study reveals distinct clinical and hematological characteristics in pSS patients with secondary ITP, suggesting a higher disease activity in this subset. These findings underscore the need for further exploration of these associations to develop more precise treatment approaches for pSS, focusing on preventing secondary ITP and improving patient outcomes.

Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Immune Thrombocytopenia: Contextualization from a Historical Perspective

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an isolated decrease in the platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding. The pathogenesis is complex, affecting multiple components of the immune system and causing both peripheral destruction of platelets and impaired central megakaryopoiesis and platelet production in the bone marrow. Here, we intend to contextualize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology, terminology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and prognosis of ITP from a historical perspective and the first references to the never-stopping garnering of knowledge about this entity. We highlight the necessity to better understand ITP in order to be able to provide ITP patients with personalized treatment options, improving disease prognosis and reducing the incidence or frequency of refractoriness.

Rilzabrutinib versus placebo in adults and adolescents with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia: LUNA 3 phase III study

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by primarily autoantibody-mediated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production resulting in thrombocytopenia and an increased risk of bleeding. Other manifestations include increased risk of thrombosis and diminished quality of life. Current treatment approaches are directed toward lowering the rate of platelet destruction or stimulating platelet production to prevent bleeding. Rilzabrutinib is an oral, reversible, potent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor that was specifically designed to treat immune-mediated diseases and mediates its therapeutic effect through a dual mechanism of action: (1) inhibiting B-cell activation and (2) interrupting antibody-coated cell phagocytosis by Fc gamma receptor in spleen and liver. A 24-week dose-finding phase I/II study of rilzabrutinib in patients with ITP showed a 40% platelet response (⩾2 consecutive platelet counts of ⩾50 × 109/L and increase from baseline ⩾20 × 109/L without rescue medication use) and a well-tolerated safety profile with only grade 1/2 transient adverse events across dose levels.

Objectives

Assess the efficacy and safety of oral rilzabrutinib in adult and adolescent patients with persistent or chronic ITP.

Design

Rilzabrutinib 400 mg BID is being evaluated in the ongoing LUNA 3 multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study.

Methods and analysis

The primary endpoint is durable platelet response, defined as achieving platelet counts of ⩾50 × 109/L for at least two-thirds of ⩾8 available weekly scheduled platelet measurements during the last 12 weeks (including ⩾2 available measurements within the last 6 weeks) of the 24-week blinded treatment period in the absence of rescue therapy.

Ethics

Ethical guidelines and informed consent are followed.

Discussion

The LUNA 3 trial will further investigate rilzabrutinib's safety and efficacy in adult and adolescent patients, with the primary goal of addressing a major objective in treating patients with ITP: durability of platelet response.

Trail Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04562766: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04562766; EU Clinical Trials Register EudraCT 2020-002063-60: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2020-002063-60.

Burden of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): Special considerations for refractory ITP

It is known that patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have fatigue and impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, it is hypothesized that patients with refractory ITP have additional burdens that should be considered. Specifically, fatigue is more pronounced in patients with refractory disease, there are additional side effects from second- and third-line treatments, additional anxiety about the long-term course of the disease, impairment in HRQoL resulting from heavy menstrual bleeding and concerns related to family planning. The burden of disease, therefore, should be carefully assessed and considered in these patients. However, researchers have utilized numerous tools for evaluating HRQoL and fatigue, making comparison of data across studies challenging. There is a need to standardize assessment using either disease-specific or generic instruments that can be easily implemented in routine clinical practice. Additionally, whether treatment of low platelet count and bleeding symptoms will have a positive influence on HRQoL remains to be seen and published evidence is conflicting. Nevertheless, improvement of HRQoL is a major treatment goal for both patients and physicians and should be especially considered when treating patients with refractory ITP.

Identification of an Unmet Medical Need: Height of Depression, Hypersomnia, and Sleep Apnea Positively Correlate With the Level of Fatigue in Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenia

INTRODUCTION

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare chronic disease, frequently accompanied by fatigue, which is an important comorbidity associated with this disease. Patients experience difficulties in managing their daily activities and a reduction in their overall quality of life (QoL). The causes of fatigue in ITP are not clarified yet, and underlying causes seem to be multifactorial. The development of fatigue may not solely be influenced by a decrease in platelet count but also by unknown factors as well as psychological reasons.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, exploratory, pilot study aimed to investigate which parameters contribute to the occurrence of fatigue in patients with ITP. Adult patients with ITP and with or without fatigue who visited the study center for their regular appointments were asked to complete questionnaires pertaining to patient-reported outcome measures regarding bleeding symptoms, depression, sleep apnea, and hypersomnia. Blood tests included platelet count as well as different parameters like vitamin D.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients (100%; 27 females (75%) and nine males (25%)) with primary ITP, with a median age of 46.5 years (range 19‑83 years) were analyzed. The median duration of ITP was 4.5 years (min‑max 0-21). Approximately one-third of patients (29.4%; 10/34 patients) had no comorbidities. The two most frequently used current treatment options were "watch-and-wait" (38.9%; 14/36 patients) and "avatrombopag" (30.6%; 11/36 patients); eight patients (22.2%; 8/36 patients) needed rescue therapy with corticosteroids. There was a statistically negative correlation between fatigue and year of diagnosis (r=-0.41, p=0.014). Results indicated no statistically significant relationship between fatigue and age or differences in fatigue between the genders. Ferritin predicted fatigue with statistical significance. Platelet count was not correlated with the level of fatigue. A significant correlation was obvious between fatigue, depression, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as well as sleep-related problems (p<0.01).

DISCUSSION

Patient characteristics were comparable to that of other studies. The level of fatigue negatively impacts the lives of patients with ITP. Age and gender were not correlated with fatigue in ITP, which is in line with other reports. Interestingly, the fatigue level was higher in patients presenting with additional depression and poor sleeping quality due to, e.g., hypersomnia, which seems common. Fatigue levels seem independent from thrombocyte levels, which were reported elsewhere.

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with ITP several years ago cope with their condition better than patients with a more recent diagnosis, who have higher levels of fatigue. Concurrent depression, hypersomnia, and sleep apnea are important underestimated factors, which do have a negative effect on the QoL of patients with ITP. We were able to show that patients with ITP might face an unmet medical need in terms of delayed diagnosis and supportive therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report on combined findings of depression, hypersomnia, and sleep apnea in patients with ITP.

Fatigue and health-related quality of life in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: a longitudinal assessment in China

BACKGROUND

There is lacking studies of longitudinally assessment of fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Chinese immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) adults. We aimed to evaluate changes in fatigue and HRQoL and identify the associated factors.

METHODS

Patients' characteristics, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-F) and the ITP-specific Patient Assessment Questionnaire (ITP-PAQ) scores at admission (T0), at discharge (T1), and three months after discharge (T2) were collected. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine changes over time.

RESULTS

We included 175 patients. The mean score of FACIT-F at T0 was 37.2 and increased at T1 (39.0), while then decreased at T2 (34.7). Patients who were single, retired, had persistent ITP, splenomegaly had more severe fatigue, whereas those who had not received any prior treatment and had a bleeding score of 0 at admission had milder fatigue. The mean score of ITP-PAQ was 57.7 at T0, then gradually increased to 60.3 at T1 and 62.8 at T2. Patients with persistent ITP and those who have never received treatment for ITP have better HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

ITP adults' fatigue and HRQoL were impaired. Patients' fatigue improved at discharge but worsened at three months after discharge, while HRQoL gradually improved over time.

Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with β-Thalassemia after Splenectomy

Few data are available on the efficacy and safety of splenectomy in patients with transfusion-dependent Beta-Thalassemia Major (β-TM) and on its impact on a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We examined the long-term HRQoL of adult patients with β-TM in comparison with those treated with medical therapy by using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). We also evaluated the safety and efficacy of splenectomy. Overall, 114 patients with a median age of 41 years (range 18–62) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Twenty-nine patients underwent splenectomy (25.4%) at a median age of 12 years (range 1–32). The median follow-up after splenectomy was 42 years (range 6–55). No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the scales of the SF-36 between splenectomized and not-splenectomized patients. The majority of surgical procedures (96.6%) were approached with open splenectomy. Post-splenectomy complications were reported in eight patients (27.5%): four overwhelming infections, three with pulmonary hypertension, and one with thrombosis. A significantly higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities (58.6 vs. 21.2%, p < 0.001) and diabetes (17.2 vs. 3.5%, p = 0.013) was observed in splenectomized patients. These patients, however, required fewer red blood cell units per month, with only 27.6% of them transfusing more than 1 unit per month, compared with 72.9% of the not-splenectomized group. Overall, our data suggest that physicians should carefully consider splenectomy as a possible treatment option in patients with β-TM.

Possible Targets to Reduce Fatigue in Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients – An Explorative Study

Background Fatigue in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is frequent and burdensome, but we lack the knowledge to help these patients.

Aim The aim of the study is to explore the role of disease activity and other potentially modifiable factors in fatigue.

Method This cross-sectional study included adult chronic ITP patients (n = 59). Univariable linear regression (corrected for confounders) was used to determine the relationship between disease activity (platelet count <30 × 109/L or treatment), disease-specific factors (bleeding symptoms, ferritin), and transdiagnostic factors (FACT-G physical/functional/emotional/social well-being subscales, physical activity level, and vitamin D) and fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength fatigue subscale). Several multivariable models with clustered sets of variables were used to compare the proportion of explained variance of fatigue (adjusted R 2).

Results Significant relations with moderate effect sizes (>0.50) were found for physical and functional well-being and fatigue, and physical activity and fatigue. Other significant relations with fatigue (effect size 0.30–0.47) included skin and organ bleeding, emotional and social well-being, vitamin D, and disease activity. Notably, the models with disease activity and disease-specific factors explained <20% of the variance in fatigue, while the models with transdiagnostic factors (functioning and physical activity) explained >50%. Vitamin D alone explained 12% of the variance in fatigue.

Conclusion Transdiagnostic (non-disease-specific) rather than disease-specific factors explained a large part of the variance in ITP-related fatigue. Many factors related to fatigue are potentially modifiable and should be investigated as targets for interventions.

Real-world impact of primary immune thrombocytopenia and treatment with thrombopoietin receptor agonists on quality of life based on patient-reported experience: Results from a questionnaire conducted in Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium

Aims of the study

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are approved for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains poorly investigated in clinical practice. This observational study aimed to gain insight into real-world patient-reported experiences of the burden of ITP and TPO-RAs.

Method

An online questionnaire of closed questions was used to collect views of patients with primary ITP from Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium, between September 2018 and April 2020.

Results

Of 46 patients who completed the questionnaire (total cohort), 41% were receiving TPO-RAs. A numerically higher proportion of patients reported being free from symptoms at the time of the questionnaire (54%) than at diagnosis (24%), irrespective of treatment type. Bleeding, the most frequently reported symptom at diagnosis (59%), was reduced at the time of the questionnaire (7%). Conversely, fatigue was reported by approximately 40% of patients at both diagnosis and the time of the questionnaire. Having a normal life and their disease under control was reported by 83% and 76%, respectively, but 41% were worried/anxious about their condition. Nearly 50% reported that ITP impaired their engagement in hobbies/sport or energy levels and 63% reported no impact on employment. When stratified by TPO-RA use, bleeding was better controlled in those receiving TPO-RAs than not (0% vs 11%). A numerically lower proportion receiving TPO-RAs than not reported worry/anxiety about their condition (16% vs 59%) and shifting from full-time to part-time employment (11% vs 22%). Similar proportions were satisfied with their therapy whether they were receiving TPO-RAs or not (89% vs 85%).

Conclusions

Many factors affect HRQoL in patients with ITP. Of patients receiving TPO-RAs, none experienced bleeding at the time of the questionnaire; they also showed a more positive perspective for some outcomes than those not using TPO-RAs. However, fatigue was not reduced by any treatment.

How do patients and physicians perceive immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) as a disease? Results from Indian analysis of ITP World Impact Survey (I-WISh)

Purpose

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is primarily considered a bleeding disorder; its impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is under-recognized. We aimed to assess how aligned patient and physician perceptions are regarding ITP-associated symptoms, HRQoL, and disease management in India.

Methods

Patients and physicians (hematologists/hemato-oncologists) from India who participated in the global ITP World Impact Survey (I-WISh) were included in this subgroup analysis (survey). Physicians were recruited via a local, third party recruiter in India. In addition to completing a survey themselves, physicians were asked to invite consulting patients on a consecutive basis to complete a survey. All surveys were completely independently by the respondents online in English. The respondents took 30 min to complete the questionnaire. Patients also completed the newly developed ITP Life Quality Index (ILQI) that included 10 questions on the impact of ITP on the following: work or studies, time taken off work or education, ability to concentrate, social life, sex life, energy levels, ability to undertake daily tasks, ability to provide support, hobbies, and capacity to exercise.

Results

A total of 65 patients and 21 physicians were included in this study. Average disease duration from diagnosis-to-survey-completion was 5.3 years. The most severe symptoms reported by patients at diagnosis were menorrhagia (15 of 19 patients [79%]), anxiety surrounding unstable platelet counts (17 of 28 patients [61%]), and fatigue (27 of 46 patients [59%]); these were also the key symptoms they wanted to be resolved. In contrast, physicians perceived petechiae (19 of 21 patients [90%]), bleeding-from-gums (8 of 21 patients [86%]), and purpura (16 of 21 patients [76%]) as the most common symptoms. While the important treatment goals for patients were healthy blood counts (42 of 65 patients [65%]), improved QoL (35 of 65 patients [54%]), and prevention of worsening of ITP (33 of 65 patients [51%]), physicians’ goals were reduction in spontaneous bleeding (17 of 21 physicians [81%]), better QoL (14 of 21 physicians [67%]), and symptom improvement (9 of 21 physicians [43%]). More than half the patients reported that ITP affected their work life/studies, social life, and energy levels, thereby negatively impacting their QoL. Patients were almost entirely dependent on family and friends for support.

Conclusions

This survey highlights the substantial discrepancy in patients’ and physicians’ perceptions regarding ITP-associated symptoms and treatment goals in India. Based on the identified gaps, educating physicians on aspects of ITP beyond bleeding, and highlighting patients’ under-recognized symptoms/needs through support-systems should be prioritized in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41687-022-00429-y.

History taking in patients with suspected haematological disease

This is the first article in a two-part series. The fundamental skill of advanced nursing practice is the ability to undertake concise history taking and examinations to aid differential diagnosis and appropriate referral to specialist services. This article aims to discuss and highlight specific consultation questions and required clinical assessments of a patient with a potential haematological diagnosis. The complexity of a haematological diagnosis may be become clear with the exploration of constitutional symptoms, which include fever, drenching night sweats, loss of appetite or weight. The rapidity of onset of symptoms is pivotal to diagnosis and may influence speed of referral, if required, to specialist haematology teams. Physical symptoms may include shortness of breath, easy bruising, fatigue or palpable enlarged lymph glands. The relevance of these symptoms and what consitutes a haematological emergency will be explored. This article will discuss clinical findings pertinent to haematological diseases, when it is appropriate to refer to specialist haematological services and current national guidance. The second article in this series will examine how critical thinking aids in the diagnosis of blood disorders.

Immune thrombocytopenia

INTRODUCTION

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a low platelet count (<100 × 10⁹/L) with an increased risk of bleeding. Recent (2019) guidelines from the International Consensus Report (ICR) expert panel and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) provide updated recommendations for the diagnosis and management of ITP.

AREAS COVERED

The 2019 ICR and ASH guidelines are reviewed, and differences and similarities highlighted. Clinical approaches to the treatment of ITP are discussed, including the role of fostamatinib which is an approved treatment option in adult patients who are refractory to other treatments.

EXPERT OPINION

The 2019 ICR and ASH guidelines reflect recent changes in the management of ITP. Current treatment approaches for ITP are more rational and evidence-based than in the past. Patients should be treated based on their needs rather than on disease stage, and patient-specific outcomes, (e.g. quality of life) should be considered. Whilst corticosteroids are the mainstay of initial ITP treatment their use should be limited. For subsequent treatment, the use of thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) agents, fostamatinib and rituximab in adults is supported by robust evidence. Rituximab and recently approved fostamatinib offer viable alternatives to splenectomy.

Consensus guidelines for the management of adult immune thrombocytopenia in Australia and New Zealand

Introduction

The absence of high quality evidence for basic clinical dilemmas in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) underlines the need for contemporary guidelines relevant to the local treatment context. ITP is diagnosed by exclusions, with a hallmark laboratory finding of isolated thrombocytopenia.

Main recommendations

Bleeding, family and medication histories and a review of historical investigations are required to gauge the bleeding risk and possible hereditary syndromes. Beyond the platelet count, the decision to treat is affected by individual bleeding risk, disease stage, side effects of treatment, concomitant medications, and patient preference. Treatment is aimed at achieving a platelet count > 20 × 10⁹/L, and avoidance of severe bleeding. Steroids are the standard first line treatment, with either 6‐week courses of tapering prednisone or repeated courses of high dose dexamethasone providing equivalent efficacy. Intravenous immunoglobulin can be used periprocedurally or as first line therapy in combination with steroids.

Changes in management as a result of this statement

There is no consensus on choice of second line treatments. Options with the most robust evidence include splenectomy, rituximab and thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Other therapies include azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, dapsone and vinca alkaloids. Given that up to one‐third of patients achieve a satisfactory haemostatic response, splenectomy should be delayed for at least 12 months if possible. In life‐threatening bleeding, we recommend platelet transfusions to achieve haemostasis, along with intravenous immunoglobulin and high dose steroids.

All-trans retinoic acid plus high-dose dexamethasone as first-line treatment for patients with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

High-dose dexamethasone is the standard initial treatment for patients with immune thrombocytopenia, but many patients still relapse and require further treatments. All-trans retinoic acid has been shown to exert immunomodulatory effects and promote thrombopoiesis, and so we aimed to assess the activity and safety of all-trans retinoic acid plus high-dose dexamethasone as a first-line treatment for newly diagnosed patients with immune thrombocytopenia.

METHODS

This multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial was done at six different tertiary medical centres in China. Eligible participants were adults (aged >18 years) with treatment-naive, newly diagnosed, primary immune thrombocytopenia who had either a platelet count of less than 30 × 109 platelets per L or a platelet count of less than 50 × 109 platelets per L and clinically significant bleeding. We randomly assigned (1:1) participants to receive either all-trans retinoic acid (10 mg orally twice daily for 12 weeks) plus high-dose dexamethasone (40 mg/day intravenously for 4 consecutive days) or high-dose dexamethasone alone using a central, web-based randomisation system. If patients did not respond by day 14, the 4-day course of dexamethasone was repeated. The primary endpoint was 6-month sustained response, defined as the maintenance of a platelet count of at least 30 × 109 platelets per L and at least 2-times higher than the baseline count and the absence of bleeding, with no need for rescue medication at this time. The primary endpoint was analysed by intention-to-treat and safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of the study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04217148, and is now completed.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, 132 patients were randomly assigned to either all-trans retinoic acid plus high-dose dexamethasone (n=66) or high-dose dexamethasone alone (n=66). Three patients did not receive their allocated treatment, leaving 129 in the safety analysis set. At 6 months, a significantly higher proportion of participants in the all-trans retinoic acid plus high-dose dexamethasone group (45 [68%] of 66) than in the high-dose dexamethasone monotherapy group (27 [41%] of 66) had a sustained response (OR 3·095, 95% CI 1·516-6·318; p=0·0017). The most common adverse events were dry skin (31 [48%] of 64 patients), headaches (12 [19%]), and insomnia (12 [19%]) in the combination group, and insomnia (ten [15%] of 65 patients) and anxiety or mood disorders (eight [12%]) in the monotherapy group. Both treatments were well tolerated and no grade 4 or worse adverse events occurred. There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

The combination of all-trans retinoic acid and high-dose dexamethasone was safe and active in newly diagnosed patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia, providing a sustained response. This regimen represents a potential first-line treatment in this setting, but further studies are needed to validate its efficacy and safety.

FUNDING

The Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, and the Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

An Update on Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Differentiating Primary ITP, IPD, and PID

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is the most common acquired thrombocytopenia in children and is caused by both immune-mediated decreased platelet production and increased platelet destruction. In the absence of a diagnostic test, ITP must be differentiated from other thrombocytopenic disorders, including inherited platelet disorders (IPD). In addition, a diagnosis of secondary ITP due to a primary immune deficiency (PID) with immune dysregulation may not be apparent at diagnosis but can alter management and should be considered in an expanding number of clinical scenarios. The diagnostic evaluation of children with thrombocytopenia will vary based on the clinical history and laboratory features. Access to genotyping has broadened the ability to specify the etiology of thrombocytopenia, while increasing access to immunophenotyping, functional immunologic and platelet assays, and biochemical markers has allowed for more in-depth evaluation of patients. With this greater availability of testing, diagnostic algorithms in patients with thrombocytopenia have become complex. In this article, we highlight the diagnostic evaluation of thrombocytopenia in children with a focus on ITP, including consideration of underlying genetic and immune disorders, and utilize hypothetical patient cases to describe disease manifestations and strategies for treatment of pediatric ITP.

Mycophenolate Mofetil for First-Line Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND

Immune thrombocytopenia is a rare autoimmune disorder with associated bleeding risk and fatigue. Recommended first-line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia is high-dose glucocorticoids, but side effects, variable responses, and high relapse rates are serious drawbacks.

METHODS

In this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial conducted in the United Kingdom, we assigned adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia, in a 1:1 ratio, to first-line treatment with a glucocorticoid only (standard care) or combined glucocorticoid and mycophenolate mofetil. The primary efficacy outcome was treatment failure, defined as a platelet count of less than 30×10⁹ per liter and initiation of a second-line treatment, assessed in a time-to-event analysis. Secondary outcomes were response rates, side effects, occurrence of bleeding, patient-reported quality-of-life measures, and serious adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients with immune thrombocytopenia underwent randomization (52.4% male; mean age, 54 years [range 17 to 87]; mean platelet level, 7×10⁹ per liter) and were followed for up to 2 years after beginning trial treatment. The mycophenolate mofetil group had fewer treatment failures than the glucocorticoid-only group (22% [13 of 59 patients] vs. 44% [27 of 61 patients]; hazard ratio, 0.41; range, 0.21 to 0.80; P = 0.008) and greater response (91.5% of patients having platelet counts greater than 100×10⁹ per liter vs. 63.9%; P<0.001). We found no evidence of a difference between the groups in the occurrence of bleeding, rescue treatments, or treatment side effects, including infection. However, patients in the mycophenolate mofetil group reported worse quality-of-life outcomes regarding physical function and fatigue than those in the glucocorticoid-only group.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of mycophenolate mofetil to a glucocorticoid for first-line treatment of immune thrombocytopenia resulted in greater response and a lower risk of refractory or relapsed immune thrombocytopenia, but with somewhat decreased quality of life. (Funded by the U.K. National Institute for Health Research; FLIGHT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03156452; EudraCT number, 2017-001171-23.).

Phase 3 randomised trial of eltrombopag versus standard first-line pharmacological management for newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP) in children: study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP) is an acquired disorder of low platelets and risk of bleeding. Although many children can be observed until spontaneous remission, others require treatment due to bleeding or impact on health-related quality of life. Standard first-line therapies for those who need intervention include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and anti-D globulin, though response to these agents may be only transient. Eltrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for children with chronic ITP who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin or splenectomy. This protocol paper describes an ongoing open-label, randomised trial comparing eltrombopag to standard first-line management in children with newly diagnosed ITP.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Randomised treatment assignment is 2:1 for eltrombopag versus standard first-line management and is stratified by age and by prior treatment. The primary endpoint of the study is platelet response, defined as ≥3 of 4 weeks with platelets >50×109/L during weeks 6-12 of therapy. Secondary outcomes include number of rescue therapies needed during the first 12 weeks, proportion of patients who do not need ongoing treatment at 12 weeks and 6 months, proportion of patients with a treatment response at 1 year, and number of second-line therapies used in weeks 13-52, as well as changes in regulatory T cells, iron studies, bleeding, health-related quality of life and fatigue. A planned sample size of up to 162 randomised paediatric patients will be enrolled over 2 years at 20 sites.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the centralised Baylor University Institutional Review Board. The results are expected to be published in 2023.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03939637.

Effectiveness and safety of romiplostim among patients with newly diagnosed, persistent and chronic ITP in routine clinical practice in central and Eastern Europe: an analysis of the PLATON study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this analysis was to assess the effectiveness and safety of romiplostim in the real-world by duration of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): <3 ('newly diagnosed'), 3-12 ('persistent'), and >12 ('chronic') months.

METHODS

This was a post-hoc analysis of the PLATON single-arm, observational cohort study of adults from five Central and Eastern European countries receiving ≥1 romiplostim dose as second-line therapy, or where surgery was contraindicated. Durable (≥75% of measurements with ≥50 × 10⁹ platelets/L during weeks 14-24) and overall platelet response (≥30 or ≥50 × 10⁹ platelets/L at least once), rescue therapy, bleeding, discontinuation of other ITP medications, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 100 participants, 22.0% had newly diagnosed, 17.0% had persistent, and 61.0% had chronic ITP. Prior splenectomy was most frequently reported in chronic ITP (32.8%), prior bleeding was predominant in newly diagnosed patients (68.2%). Durable platelet response was achieved in 50.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.2-71.8%) of newly diagnosed, 35.3% (95% CI: 14.2-61.7%) of persistent, and 31.1% (95% CI: 19.9-44.3%) of chronic ITP patients. Overall platelet response was achieved in >80% across all strata. Safety was comparable across groups, with a low incidence of thrombotic ADRs and no bone marrow ADRs.

DISCUSSION

In this real-world study, platelet response to romiplostim was consistent across all strata of ITP duration. ADRs were infrequent and similar across ITP settings.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the utilization of romiplostim in patients with newly diagnosed and persistent ITP in accordance with recent guidelines and the recent romiplostim label extension.

Quality of life is an important indication for second-line treatment in children with immune thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND

The decision to initiate second-line treatment in children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is complex and involves many different factors.

METHODS

In this prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study of 120 children from 21 centers, the factors contributing to the decision to start second-line treatments for ITP were captured. At study entry, clinicians were given a curated list of 12 potential reasons the patient required a second-line treatment. Clinicians selected all that applied and ranked the top three reasons.

RESULTS

Quality of life (QOL) was the most frequently cited reason for starting a second-line therapy. Clinicians chose it as a reason to treat in 88/120 (73%) patients, as among the top three reasons in 68/120 (57%), and as the top reason in 32/120 (27%). Additional factors ranked as the top reason to start second-line treatment included severity of bleeding (22/120, 18%), frequency of bleeding (19/120, 16%), and severity of thrombocytopenia (18/120, 15%). Patients for whom QOL (p = .006) or sports participation (p = .02) were ranked reasons were more likely to have chronic ITP, whereas those for whom severity (p = .003) or frequency (p = .005) of bleeding were ranked reasons were more likely to have newly diagnosed or persistent ITP. Parental anxiety, though rarely the primary impetus for treatment, was frequently cited (70/120, 58%) as a contributing factor.

CONCLUSION

Perceived QOL is the most frequently selected reason pediatric patients start second-line therapies for ITP. It is critical that studies of treatments for childhood ITP include assessments of their effects on QOL.

[A physician-patient survey for primary immune thrombocytopenia: Chinese subgroup analysis of I-WISh International Survey]

Objective: To explore the impact of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) on patient's quality of life and emotional well-being, and both the physician and the patient's perception of the treatment. Methods: This study was a Chinese Subgroup analysis of I-WISh survey, including 102 physicians and 286 ITP patients invited to complete the survey. A descriptive analysis of the results of the physician-patient survey was conducted in three parts: symptoms, impact of ITP on quality of life and emotion, and treatment perception. Results: Fatigue and anxiety about unstable platelet counts were the main symptoms after treatment. Physicians reported inadequate frequency of anxiety and fatigue. In terms of quality of life, over 90.0% of patients thought that ITP had a negative impact on their working life/studies, daily tasks, energy, capacity to exercise, and sexual life. With regard to emotion, 60.8% (174/286) patients thought that ITP had a greater impact on overall emotion, concerns about the fluctuation in platelet level (74.8%, 214/286) , disease itself (71.7%, 205/286) and disease progression (68.9%, 197/286) were the common issues, which were similar to the physicians' evaluations. Both physicians and patients agreed that reducing spontaneous bleeding, maintaining a healthy blood count and improving quality of life were the top three important treatment goals. Physicians considered reducing bleeding risk as the most important factor for decision making. Physicians believed that patients receiving glucocorticoid (54.9%, 56/102) were most likely to succeed in achieving sustained response while patients had the best response to thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA) treatment, with about 83.9% (240/286) being satisfied with the overall effectiveness of TPO-RA. Conclusions: Physicians in the I-WISh Chinese subgroup had low awareness on patients' fatigue and anxiety. The quality of life and emotion of patients were significantly negatively affected by ITP. There are differences in the selection of treatments between physicians and patients, suggesting that physicians should raise concerns about the quality of life of ITP patients and make individualized treatment options through physician-patient shared decisions.

Fatigue perception in a cohort of children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia and their caregivers using the PedsQL MFS: Real-life multicenter experience of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP)

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is an important clinical and psychological aspect for a significant number of children affected by immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). To date, few studies have explored fatigue and its relationship with chronic ITP in pediatric age. The aim of the present multicentric pilot study is to determine fatigue perception in a large group of children with chronic ITP and their caregivers using the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL MFS), and to compare the results with those of healthy control subjects.

PROCEDURE

Children with chronic ITP aged 5-18 years and/or caregivers of children aged 2-18 years were enrolled. Child/adolescent self-report was used for patients aged 5-18 years, and parent proxy-report for patients aged 2-18 years. The questionnaire was offered as online survey. PedsQL MFS is composed of 18 items covering three dimensions: General Fatigue Scale, Sleep/Rest Fatigue Scale, and Cognitive Fatigue Scale.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-one patients affected by chronic ITP and 248 caregivers answered the PedsQL MFS. We have highlighted that lower values of PedsQL MFS scores are obtained in the 13-18 age group. Moreover, sleep/rest fatigue domain appears to be more compromised in all age groups. For all PedsQL MFS scores, pediatric patients with chronic ITP and their caregivers reported statistically significant worse fatigue than healthy children.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that fatigue is relevant among children and adolescents affected by chronic ITP. The PedsQL MFS represents an adequate instrument for measuring fatigue in patients with chronic ITP. Therefore, symptoms of fatigue should be routinely assessed in clinical practice.

Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia: Novel Insights into Pathophysiology and Disease Management

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder defined by a significantly reduced number of platelets in blood circulation. Due to low levels of platelets, ITP is associated with frequent bruising and bleeding. Current evidence suggests that low platelet counts in ITP are the result of multiple factors, including impaired thrombopoiesis and variations in immune response leading to platelet destruction during pathological conditions. Patient outcomes as well as clinic presentation of the disease have largely been shown to be case-specific, hinting towards ITP rather being a group of clinical conditions sharing common symptoms. The most frequent characteristics include dysfunction in primary haemostasis and loss of immune tolerance towards platelet as well as megakaryocyte antigens. This heterogeneity in patient population and characteristics make it challenging for the clinicians to choose appropriate therapeutic regimen. Therefore, it is vital to understand the pathomechanisms behind the disease and to consider various factors including patient age, platelet count levels, co-morbidities and patient preferences before initiating therapy. This review summarizes recent developments in the pathophysiology of ITP and provides a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic strategies as well as potential future drugs for the management of ITP.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) World Impact Survey (iWISh): Patient and physician perceptions of diagnosis, signs and symptoms, and treatment

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is now well-known to reduce patients' health-related quality of life. However, data describing which signs and symptoms patients and physicians perceive as having the greatest impact are limited, as is understanding the full effects of ITP treatments. I-WISh (ITP World Impact Survey) was an exploratory, cross-sectional survey designed to establish the multifaceted impact of ITP, and its treatments, on patients' lives. It focused on perceptions of 1507 patients and 472 physicians from 13 countries regarding diagnostic pathway, frequency and severity of signs and symptoms, and treatment use. Twenty-two percent of patients experienced delayed diagnosis (caused by several factors), 73% of whom felt anxious as a result. Patients rated fatigue among the most frequent, severe symptom associated with ITP at diagnosis (58% most frequent; 73% most severe), although physicians assigned it lower priority (30%). Fatigue was one of the few symptoms persisting at survey completion (50% and 65%, respectively) and was the top symptom patients wanted resolved (46%). Participating physicians were experienced at treating ITP, thereby recognizing the need to limit corticosteroid use to newly-diagnosed or first-relapse patients and espoused increased use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists and anti-CD20 after relapse in patients with persistent/chronic disease. Patient and physicians were largely aligned on diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment use. I-WISh demonstrated that patients and physicians largely align on overall ITP symptom burden, with certain differences, for example, fatigue. Understanding the emotional and clinical toll of ITP on the patient will facilitate shared decision-management, setting and establishment of treatment goals and disease stage-appropriate treatment selection.

Glucocorticoid treatment in patients with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia switches CD14++ CD16+ intermediate monocytes from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is thought to result from an aberrant adaptive autoimmune response, involving autoantibodies, B and T lymphocytes, directed at platelets and megakaryocytes. Previous reports have demonstrated skewed CD4⁺ T-helper subset distribution and enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 17A and interferon gamma. The role of monocytes (MCs) in ITP is less widely described, but innate immune cells have a role in shaping CD4⁺ T-cell phenotypes. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used for first-line ITP treatment and modulate a broad range of immune cells including T cells and MCs. Using multiparameter flow cytometry analysis, we demonstrate the expansion of intermediate MCs (CD14⁺⁺ CD16⁺ ) in untreated patients with newly diagnosed ITP, with these cells displaying a pro-inflammatory phenotype, characterised by enhanced expression of CD64 and CD80. After 2 weeks of prednisolone treatment (1 mg/kg daily), the proportion of intermediate MCs reduced, with enhanced expression of the anti-inflammatory markers CD206 and CD163. Healthy control MCs were distinctly different than MCs from patients with ITP before and after GC treatment. Furthermore, the GC-induced phenotype was not observed in patients with chronic ITP receiving thrombopoietin receptor agonists. These data suggest a role of MCs in ITP pathogenesis and clinical response to GC therapy.

Romiplostim in adults with newly diagnosed or persistent immune thrombocytopenia

Introduction: Three distinct phases are recognized in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): newly diagnosed (≤3 months after diagnosis), persistent (>3-12 months after diagnosis), and chronic (>12 months). Several international guidelines/expert recommendations have been released in the past 2 years regarding the treatment of newly diagnosed/persistent ITP. Areas covered: Across the guidelines/expert recommendations, thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), including romiplostim (the focus of this review), are recommended in newly diagnosed or persistent ITP for patients who fail to respond to corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (or where these are contraindicated). To identify data relating to romiplostim in adults with newly diagnosed or persistent ITP, we conducted a search of PubMed (with no time limit applied) and abstracts from 2019 EHA/ASH meetings using the term 'romiplostim.' Expert opinion: The findings from nine clinical trials, six real-world studies and ten case reports provide insight into the early use of romiplostim, which could help to reduce exposure to the adverse effects associated with prolonged corticosteroid use, as well as reduce the risk of severe bleeding. Additionally, given the durable responses observed in patients with newly diagnosed/persistent ITP, as well as the potential for treatment-free responses following discontinuation, romiplostim might help to avoid the need for subsequent treatment.

[Expectation of patients and caregivers about patient education for immune thrombocytopenia]

INTRODUCTION

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) durably affects quality of life in patients. Patient education aims at improving their self-care and psychosocial skills, allowing them be more autonomous, to prevent avoidable complications, and to maintain or improve quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess patients' and caregivers' expectations regarding patient education in ITP.

METHOD

ITP Patients and caregivers were asked about topics that should be addressed in a patient education program through a digital anonymous survey. Their responses were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. A double-blind keyword attribution of the answers was carried out by two physicians and then faced until consensus was found.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight ITP patients were included: 68% were less than 50 years old and 84% had chronic ITP. On the other hand, twenty-five caregivers were included. Caregivers raised more topics related to the cognitive domain than patients. The psychoaffective and motivational topics tended to be more represented in patients' responses. Only 53% of topics were mentioned by both patients and caregivers.

CONCLUSION

These discrepancies emphasize the differences between patients and caregivers' expectations regarding a patient education program in ITP, and thus the relevance of patient-caregiver co-construction of such programs.

American Society of Hematology 2019 guidelines for immune thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND

Despite an increase in the number of therapies available to treat patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), there are minimal data from randomized trials to assist physicians with the management of patients.

OBJECTIVE

These evidence-based guidelines of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are intended to support patients, clinicians, and other health care professionals in their decisions about the management of ITP.

METHODS

In 2015, ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel that included 8 adult clinical experts, 5 pediatric clinical experts, 2 methodologists with expertise in ITP, and 2 patient representatives. The panel was balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. The panel reviewed the ASH 2011 guideline recommendations and prioritized questions. The panel used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, including evidence-to-decision frameworks, to appraise evidence (up to May 2017) and formulate recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel agreed on 21 recommendations covering management of ITP in adults and children with newly diagnosed, persistent, and chronic disease refractory to first-line therapy who have non-life-threatening bleeding. Management approaches included: observation, corticosteroids, IV immunoglobulin, anti-D immunoglobulin, rituximab, splenectomy, and thrombopoietin receptor agonists.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a lack of evidence to support strong recommendations for various management approaches. In general, strategies that avoided medication side effects were favored. A large focus was placed on shared decision-making, especially with regard to second-line therapy. Future research should apply standard corticosteroid-dosing regimens, report patient-reported outcomes, and include cost-analysis evaluations.

Fatigue in children and adolescents with immune thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an acquired autoimmune disorder of low platelets and risk of bleeding, has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients with ITP often report significant fatigue, although the pathophysiology of this is poorly understood. In this observational cohort of 120 children receiving second-line therapies for ITP, we assessed reports of fatigue using the Hockenberry Fatigue Scale. Children and adolescents with ITP reported a similarly high level of fatigue with 54% (29/54) of children and 62% (26/42) of adolescents reporting moderate-to-severe fatigue. There was no correlation between fatigue and age or gender. Adolescents with newly diagnosed and persistent ITP had higher mean fatigue scores than those with chronic ITP (P = 0·03). Fatigue significantly improved in children and adolescents by 1 month after starting second-line treatments, and this improvement continued to be present at 12 months after starting treatment. Fatigue scores at all time-points correlated with general HRQoL using the Kids ITP Tool, but did not correlate with bleeding symptoms, platelet count, or platelet response to treatment. Fatigue is common in children and adolescents with ITP and may benefit from ITP-directed treatment even in the absence of bleeding symptoms.

Safety and efficacy of self-administered romiplostim in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: Results of an integrated database of five clinical trials

Romiplostim self‐administration by patients or caregivers may offer time/cost savings to healthcare professionals (HCPs) and convenience for patients who avoid weekly clinic visits. We performed an integrated analysis of five clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of romiplostim self‐administration. Data were analyzed from adults with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who received weekly romiplostim via self‐administration or from an HCP. Patients who achieved a stable romiplostim dose for ≥3 weeks (HCP group ≥5 weeks to provide an appropriate index date to enable comparisons with the self‐administration group) with platelet counts ≥50 × 10⁹/L were eligible. In the self‐administration (n = 621) vs HCP (n = 133) groups, respectively, median age was 53 vs 58 years, median time since primary ITP diagnosis was 3.7 vs 2.5 years, and median baseline platelet count at ITP diagnosis was 19.0 vs 20.0 × 10⁹/L. In the self‐administration and HCP‐dosed groups, median romiplostim treatment duration was 89 vs 52 weeks and median total number of doses was 81 vs 50, respectively. In the self‐administration and HCP groups, respectively: 95.0% and 100.0% of patients achieved ≥1 platelet response (defined as weekly platelet count ≥50 × 10⁹/L without rescue medication in previous 4 weeks); the median percentage of weeks with a response was 94.5% and 95.9%; and rescue medication was used in 36.7% and 39.8% of patients. Self‐administration did not adversely affect safety; duration‐adjusted rates for all treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and bleeding TEAEs were numerically lower with self‐administration. Romiplostim self‐administration appears effective and well tolerated in eligible patients with ITP.

Phase 2 study of efgartigimod, a novel FcRn antagonist, in adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune bleeding disorder, characterized by a low platelet count (<100 × 109 /L) in the absence of other causes associated with thrombocytopenia. In most patients, IgG autoantibodies directed against platelet receptors can be detected. They accelerate platelet clearance and destruction, inhibit platelet production, and impair platelet function, resulting in increased risk of bleeding and impaired quality of life. Efgartigimod is a human IgG1 antibody Fc-fragment, a natural ligand of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), engineered for increased affinity to FcRn, while preserving its characteristic pH-dependent binding. Efgartigimod blocks FcRn, preventing IgG recycling, and causing targeted IgG degradation. In this Phase 2 study, 38 patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive four weekly intravenous infusions of either placebo (N = 12) or efgartigimod at a dose of 5 mg/kg (N = 13) or 10 mg/kg (N = 13). This short treatment cycle of efgartigimod in patients with ITP, predominantly refractory to previous lines of therapy, was shown to be well tolerated, and demonstrated a favorable safety profile consistent with Phase 1 data. Efgartigimod induced a rapid reduction of total IgG levels (up to 63.7% mean change from baseline), which was associated with clinically relevant increases in platelet counts (46% patients on efgartigimod vs 25% on placebo achieved a platelet count of ≥50 × 109 /L on at least two occasions, and 38% vs 0% achieved ≥50 × 109 /L for at least 10 cumulative days), and a reduced proportion of patients with bleeding. Taken together, these data warrant further evaluation of FcRn antagonism as a novel therapeutic approach in ITP.

Fatigue, executive function and psychological effects in children with immune thrombocytopenia: a cross-sectional study

Childhood ITP is often considered to be a relatively mild haematological disorder, with only a minority of patients requiring treatment for troublesome bleeding. Over recent years, wider effects of the condition have been identified in some adults, particularly relating to fatigue and cognitive impairment. In this study, we sought to investigate such effects in a group of children with ITP and further our understanding of their psychological profile. Children attending routine haematology outpatient clinics and their parents were asked to complete standardised questionnaires designed to assess a range of psychological and cognitive factors. Although the majority of children had some scores within the normal range, a significantly high proportion had difficulties with fatigue (70·6%), emotional and behavioural symptoms (25·7%) or executive functioning (19·4%). Quality of life and subjective evaluation of the illness (appraisal) correlated significantly with each of these domains, but bleeding severity and platelet count did not. Our findings provide valuable insight into the broader impact of childhood ITP, which could aid in providing holistic care, potentially contribute to decisions regarding medical treatment, and guide future research.

Management of immune thrombocytopenia in women: current standards and special considerations

Introduction: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder, with an incidence rate of 20-40/million adults/year and an estimated prevalence in women of childbearing age of 24.5/million.Areas covered: Authors discuss management of ITP in pregnancy, treatment-related toxicity, delivery, neonatal thrombocytopenia and breastfeeding, and other women's specific issues. The search of papers published between January 1990 and December 2019 was done on PubMed using combinations of the keywords below. The distinction between ITP and other thrombocytopenias in pregnancy is of paramount importance. The current belief (at variance with the past) that ITP is a relatively benign disease pregnancy is emphasized.Expert opinion: The lack of randomized, prospective, controlled studies hampers evidence-based statements. Remarkably, ITP diagnosis is still one of exclusion, there are no clinical or laboratory criteria for prognosis and we still need more solid data on the risks related to neonatal thrombocytopenia. Corticosteroids and IVIG remain the mainstay of treatment, since rituximab, thrombopoietin-receptor agonists, fostamatinib may be toxic in pregnancy. Safety and efficacy of recombinant-human-thrombopoietin, available in China, require confirmation studies. Quality of life and women-related toxicity of treatments in young girls, adults, and elders are still an orphan area of investigation.

Updated international consensus report on the investigation and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia

Over the last decade, there have been numerous developments and changes in treatment practices for the management of patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). This article is an update of the International Consensus Report published in 2010. A critical review was performed to identify all relevant articles published between 2009 and 2018. An expert panel screened, reviewed, and graded the studies and formulated the updated consensus recommendations based on the new data. The final document provides consensus recommendations on the diagnosis and management of ITP in adults, during pregnancy, and in children, as well as quality-of-life considerations.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Burden of Fatigue in Chinese Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Cross-Sectional Study

To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue burden among adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in China and determine whether they vary with disease phase. This is a cross-sectional, multi-centre observational study of adult ITP patients and the general population. Participants completed the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F). We compared HRQoL and fatigue between ITP patients and the general population, overall and by disease phase (newly diagnosed, persistent, and chronic), using propensity score matching. 203 Patients and 269 members of the general population were recruited. Thirty-six ITP patients (17.7%) were newly diagnosed, 46 (22.7%) were persistent, and 121 (59.6%) were chronic. Compared with the general population, ITP patients had impaired HRQoL and greater fatigue burden. The persistent ITP group showed the largest number of SF-36 scales exceeding the minimally important difference: physical functioning [- 10.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 24.5 to 3.5; P < 0.001], role physical (- 16.7; 95% CI - 36.4 to 3.0; P < 0.001), social functioning (- 15.6; 95% CI - 34.5 to 3.3; P < 0.001), and role emotional (- 12.1; 95% CI - 26.0 to 1.8; P < 0.001). Chronic ITP patients had the worst FACIT-F scores (36.89 ± 5.21). Higher fatigue severity was associated with lower physical and mental HRQoL. The HRQoL and fatigue burden of Chinese adult patients with ITP vary by disease phase. Persistent ITP patients were the most vulnerable subgroup in terms of HRQoL, while chronic ITP patients bear the heaviest fatigue burden.

Fatigue and cognitive impairment in immune thrombocytopenic purpura remain stable over time: short report from a longitudinal study

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by low platelet counts and increased bleeding risk. In 2009, two cross-sectional studies determined that fatigue and cognitive impairment (CI) were common in ITP. Here, we report the results from a longitudinal study of 34 people with ITP. Fatigue severity remained unchanged over 7 years, and CI significantly improved. Future fatigue and CI severity could be predicted using baseline severity scores. These findings may be reassuring for ITP patients, as symptoms remain stable over time. Furthermore, using baseline scores to predict future severity could aid the clinical management of ITP.

Optimal use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in immune thrombocytopenia

The thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are a class of platelet growth factors commonly used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). There are three agents that have been investigated for the treatment of chronic ITP: the peptide agent romiplostim and the small molecule agents eltrombopag and avatrombopag. These agents offer a higher clinical response rate than most other ITP therapies but may require indefinite use. This review is a critical appraisal of the TPO-RAs in adult ITP, defining the optimal patient groups to receive these agents and assisting the hematologist with agent choice, goals of treatment, dosing strategies, and toxicity management. Use of endogenous thrombopoietin levels to predict response to eltrombopag and romiplostim treatment is discussed and alternative dosing protocols suited for certain patient subgroups are described. Finally, indications for discontinuation and combination therapy with other agents are considered.

Circulating microRNAs in patients with immune thrombocytopenia before and after treatment with thrombopoietin-receptor agonists

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression. Dysregulated expression of several miRNAs has been found in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) suggesting that miRNAs are likely involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. We aimed to explore the differential expression of miRNAs in patients with ITP before and after starting treatment with thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) to clarify their roles in the pathophysiology of ITP, and as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers of this disorder.We performed a profiling study where 179 miRNAs were analyzed in eight ITP patients before and during treatment with TPO-RAs and in eight controls using miRNA PCR panel; 81 miRNAs were differentially expressed in ITP patients compared to controls, and 14 miRNAs showed significant changes during TPO-RA-treatment. Ten miRNAs were selected for validation that was performed in 23 patients and 22 controls using droplet digital PCR. Three miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in ITP patients before TPO-RA-treatment compared to controls: miR-199a-5p was down-regulated (p = 0.0001), miR-33a-5p (p = 0.0002) and miR-195-5p (p = 0.035) were up-regulated. Treatment with TPO-RAs resulted in changes in six miRNAs including miR-199a-5p (p = 0.001), miR-33a-5p (p = 0.003), miR-382-5p (p = 0.004), miR-92b-3p (p = 0.005), miR-26a-5p (p = 0.008) and miR-221-3p (p = 0.023); while miR-195-5p remained unchanged and significantly higher than in controls, despite the increase in the platelet count, which may indicate its possible role in the pathophysiology of ITP. Regression analysis revealed that pre-treatment levels of miR-199a-5p and miR-221-3p could help to predict platelet response to TPO-RA-treatment. ROC curve analysis showed that the combination of miR-199a-5p and miR-33a-5p could distinguish patients with ITP from controls with AUC of 0.93.This study identifies a number of differentially expressed miRNAs in ITP patients before and after initiation of TPO-RAs with potential roles in the pathophysiology, as well as with a possible utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. These interesting findings deserve further exploration and validation in future studies.

A Narrative Approach to Describe QoL in Children With Chronic ITP

Objective: Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a hemorrhagic disorder. Spontaneous recovery within 12 months occurs in the majority of pediatric patients. Nevertheless, in 20-30% of children the disease is chronic. The impact extends to the patients' families, whose everyday life, in terms of interpersonal relationships and financial status, is adversely affected. This study investigated the ability of a narrative instrument to improve the quality of life of pediatric chronic ITP patients and their families and quantified the familial burden imposed by the illness. Method: A quantitative survey and a narrative plot delivered through an online platform were adopted for the analysis. Results: Pediatricians of ten Italian Hematologic Centers explained the projects to patients and their family in the outpatient clinic. 70 caregivers of children with ITP filled the ad-hoc questionnaire. Data from 53 caregivers revealed the emotional impact of pediatric chronic ITP. The narrative approach highlighted the specific resources used by patients and their families to cope with the disease and its chronicity. Discussion: Caregivers underlined the need for "humaneness" in their interactions with clinical personnel. The majority of respondents provided positive feedback regarding the narrative project, defining the experience as "liberating" and improving their quality of life.

Immune thrombocytopenia: improving quality of life and patient outcomes

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by a reduced platelet count and patients may develop bruising or mucosal bleeding. Since 2003, generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures have been applied and ITP-specific measures developed, alongside trials of novel therapeutic agents. These have identified significant morbidity in patients with ITP, including fatigue, fear of bleeding and a negative impact on role, social and work activities. This review critically evaluates HRQoL data in adults and children with ITP. It also considers the impact of treatment and how patient-reported outcomes might be applied to care to optimize patients' quality of life.

Trial protocol: a multicentre randomised trial of first-line treatment pathways for newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia: standard steroid treatment versus combined steroid and mycophenolate. The FLIGHT trial

INTRODUCTION

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune condition that may cause thrombocytopenia-related bleeding. Current first-line ITP treatment is with high-dose corticosteroids but frequent side effects, heterogeneous responses and high relapse rates are significant problems with only 20% remaining in sustained remission with this approach. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is often used as the next treatment with efficacy in 50%-80% of patients and good tolerability but can take up to 2 months to work.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that MMF combined with corticosteroid is a more effective first-line treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) than current standard of corticosteroid alone.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

DesignMulticentre, UK-based, open-label, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Haematology departments in secondary care.

PARTICIPANTS

We plan to recruit 120 patients >16 years old with a diagnosis of ITP and a platelet count <30x10⁹/L who require first-line treatment. Patients will be followed up for a minimum of 12 months following randomisation.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Time from randomisation to treatment failure defined as platelets <30x10⁹/L and a need for second-line treatment.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Side effects, bleeding events, remission rates, time to relapse, time to next therapy, cumulative corticosteroid dose, rescue therapy, splenectomy, socioeconomic costs, patient-reported outcomes (quality of life, fatigue, impact of bleeding, care costs).

ANALYSIS

The sample size of 120 achieves a 91.5% power to detect a doubling of the median time to treatment failure from 5 to 10 months. This will be expressed as an HR with 95% CI, median time to event if more than 50% have had an event and illustrated with Kaplan-Meier curves. Cost-effectiveness will be based on the first 12 months from diagnosis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval from NRES Committee South West (IRAS number 225959). EudraCT Number: 2017-001171-23. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03156452.