Treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in Australian adults: A multicenter retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: In Australia, prescribing restrictions limit access to internationally recommended second‐line therapies such as rituximab and thrombopoietin agonists (TPO‐A) (eltrombopag and romiplostim). Subsequent lines of therapy include an array of immunosuppressive and immune‐modulating agents directed by drug availability and physician and patient preference. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to describe the use of first and subsequent lines of treatment for adult immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Australia and to assess their effectiveness and tolerability. PATIENTS/METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted of 322 patients treated for ITP at eight participating centers in Australia between 2013 and 2020. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and frequency distribution using pivot tables, and comparisons between centers were assessed using paired t tests. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis of ITP was 48.8 years (standard deviation [SD], 22.6) and 58.3% were women. Primary ITP was observed in 72% and secondary ITP in 28% of the patients; 95% of patients received first‐line treatment with prednisolone (76%), dexamethasone (15%), or intravenous immunoglobulin (48%) alone or in combination. Individuals with secondary ITP were less steroid dependent (72% vs. 76%) and required less treatment with a second‐line agent (47% vs. 58%) in the study sample. Over half (56%) of the cohort received treatment with one or more second‐line agents. The mean number of second‐line agents used for each patient was 1.9 (SD, 1.2). The most used second‐line therapy was rituximab, followed by etrombopag and splenectomy. These also generated the highest rates of complete response (60.3%, 72.1%, and 71.8% respectively). The most unfavorable side effect profiles were seen in long‐term corticosteroids and splenectomy. CONCLUSION: A wide range of “second‐line” agents were used across centers with variable response rates and side effect profiles. Findings suggest greater effectiveness of rituximab and TPO‐A, supporting their use earlier in the treatment course of patients with ITP across Australia.