Abstract | BACKGROUND AND AIMS: PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out on 130 patients with chronic HCV-associated thrombocytopenia (<50,000×109/L) that precludes the initiation of HCV therapy. Eltrombopag was initiated at a dose of 25 mg once daily; the dose was adjusted with 25 mg increments every 2 weeks to achieve the target platelet count. The primary end point was to achieve stable target platelet count (50,000-100,000×109/L) required to initiate antiviral therapy. RESULTS: Treatment response was achieved in 111 (85.38%) patients. This prospective study showed that megakaryocyte hypoplasia or aplasia and splenectomy were independent risk factors for eltrombopag nonresponse in chronic HCV-associated thrombocytopenic patients. CONCLUSION:
Eltrombopag is safe and effective for patients with HCV-associated thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow examination should be considered before initiating treatment with eltrombopag in chronic HCV-associated thrombocytopenic patients, especially in patients with splenectomy.
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Authors | Tamer A Elbedewy, Mohamed A Elsebaey, Samah A Elshweikh, Heba Elashry, Sherief Abd-Elsalam |
Journal | Therapeutics and clinical risk management
(Ther Clin Risk Manag)
Vol. 15
Pg. 269-274
( 2019)
ISSN: 1176-6336 [Print] New Zealand |
PMID | 30804674
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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