Management of Adult Patients with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Clinical Practice: A Consensus Approach of the Spanish ITP Expert Group

Abstract

Background and Objective. Diagnosis and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have changed dramatically in the last decade. The aim of the study was to obtain information about the opinion of the Spanish ITP Group (GEPTI) members regarding the best clinical practices for diagnosis and management of adult patients with ITP. Materials and Methods. A two-round Delphi method was carried out by sending to 129 experts a 90-item questionnaire developed by 11 specialists, with a 4-point Likert scale (“never,” “sometimes,” “frequently,” and “always”) for the assessment of responses. Results. Forty out of the 129 experts participated in the survey (participation rate 30.2%) and 39 completed the questionnaire (response rate 97.5%). Salient consensus points included the following: the need to indicate workup studies from a sustained platelet count 20 x 109/L; and considering mucosal or severe bleeding as a basic criterion for hospital admission. Conclusions. The present consensus document provides a reference framework for the management of patients with ITP in clinical practice.