Current therapies in primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has long been characterized as an autoimmune disease that exhibits antibody-mediated destruction of platelets. Many of the therapies have targeted reducing the antibody production and/or the platelet destruction process within the reticuloendothelial system, including steroids, immunoglobulin, anti-RhD immunoglobulin, splenectomy, and rituximab. Relatively new insights into the pathophysiology of this disorder have led to the introduction of new therapies, such as the use of thrombopoietic agents to enhance platelet production. This review outlines many of the most commonly used therapeutic agents for the treatment of severe thrombocytopenia associated with both newly diagnosed and chronic ITP.