Researchers evaluated the clinical efficacy of adding recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) to glucocorticoids in the treatment of patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). According to their study published in Hematology, rhTPO combined with glucocorticoids was able to regulate T lymphocytes, rapidly increase platelet (PLT) levels, and spare coagulation in this population.
The study enrolled 87 retrospective patients with ITP admitted to the authors’ center. Of those patients, 42 who received glucocorticoids were indicated as the control group, and 45 who received rhTPO combined with glucocorticoids were indicated as the study group. According to the researchers, the total effective treatment rate for the rhTPO plus glucocorticoids group was 95.56% compared with 76.19% in the control group (P<.05).
In addition, the study group achieved a platelet count of > 50 × 109/L faster and with fewer platelet transfusions compared with the control group. At days 1, 7, and 14 posttreatment, the platelet count increased in both groups but was higher in the study group compared with the control group (P<.05).
CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ T cells increased and CD8+ decreased in both groups. The rhTPO and glucocorticoids group achieved superior improvements relative to the controls (P<.05), the authors added. Differences in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen between the groups were not statistically significant before or after treatment (P>.05).
The authors summarized that “rhTPO combined with glucocorticoids in the treatment of ITP can effectively enhance the therapeutic effect, regulate the T lymphocyte subpopulation, rapidly increase the PLT level, and spare the coagulation function of patients while affording good safety and high clinical promotion value.”
Related: Correlating Bone Marrow Megakaryocytes and Platelet Parameters in ITP
© 2025 Mashup Media, LLC, a Formedics Property. All Rights Reserved.