title: Immune thrombocytopenia: no longer 'idiopathic'.
abstract: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder. Its pathogenesis involves both accelerated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. First-line agents are usually effective initially but do not provide long-term responses. Splenectomy remains an effective long-term therapy, as does rituximab (Rituxan) in a subset of patients. Thrombopoietic agents offer a new alternative, although their place in the overall management of ITP remains uncertain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Taussig CancerInstitute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. mccraek@ccf.org
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McCrae
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D053628:Receptors, Thrombopoietin / Q000819:agonists; D000069283:Rituximab; D013156:Splenectomy
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D053628:Receptors, Thrombopoietin; D000069283:Rituximab