Published online Nov 27, 2022. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v14.i11.1260
Peer-review started: September 19, 2022
First decision: October 21, 2022
Revised: October 30, 2022
Accepted: November 16, 2022
Article in press: November 16, 2022
Published online: November 27, 2022
Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in chronic liver disease (CLD), promoting a high risk of bleeding and a poor prognosis, especially in patients undergoing invasive procedures or surgeries.
Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) is commonly used to treat primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombocytopenia caused by solid tumor chemotherapy, and has not been extensively investigated in the treatment of CLD-related thrombocytopenia.
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rhTPO in the treatment of patients with CLD-associated thrombocytopenia undergoing invasive procedures.
This retrospective analysis of clinical data of patients with CLD assessed the changes in platelet counts and parameters before and after the use of rhTPO for thrombocytopenia. Subgroup analysis was performed according to different characteristics, such as baseline platelet count levels. Adverse events related to treatment were investigated.
Among the enrolled patients, 78 (78%) showed an elevation in platelet count after rhTPO use. The mean platelet count after rhTPO treatment in all patients was 101.53 ± 81.81 × 109/L, which was significantly improved compared to that at baseline (42.88 ± 16.72 × 109/L), and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis also showed the same result. Ninety (90%) patients did not require platelet transfusion partially due to an increase in platelet count after treatment with rhTPO.
rhTPO was effective in the treatment of CLD-associated thrombocytopenia with good medication safety, promoting the safety of invasive procedures and improving overall survival of patients with CLD.
rhTPO could be a new approach for the treatment of CLD-related thrombocytopenia that will promote clinical benefits in patients with CLD who are undergoing invasive procedures.