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Physicians' Education Resource is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physicians' Education Resource designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Critical Advances in the Management of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Summaries of Lectures From a Satellite Symposium Held in Conjunction With the 50th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition
San Francisco, CA
December 6-9, 2008

Release Date: May 23, 2009
Expiration Date: May 23, 2010

Publication Overview

Author

PER Editorial Staff

Overview and Purpose

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a low platelet count and mucocutaneous bleeding. The low platelet count seen in patients with ITP is the result of accelerated platelet destruction mediated by antiplatelet antibodies and, in some cases, impaired platelet production. The goal of ITP management is to raise and maintain platelet counts in order to prevent life-threatening bleeding events and to improve patient quality of life. Treatment standards for ITP have not changed substantially in > 10 years. Corticosteroids have long been the standard first-line therapy for adults with ITP. Other initial treatment options include intravenous immunoglobulin and anti-D. Splenectomy remains a viable option for patients with refractory ITP, and the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab also has efficacy in this setting. The development of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) has provided a new and effective treatment option for the management of patients with refractory ITP.

The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the treatment of patients with ITP.

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists and hematologists involved in the care of patients with ITP. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:

  • Explain how the current understanding of the pathophysiology of ITP led to the development of new targeted therapeutics for patients with ITP
  • Describe the efficacy and safety of initial management options for patients with ITP
  • Evaluate the efficacy and safety of splenectomy in patients with ITP
  • Discuss treatment options for patients with chronic ITP who require acute therapeutic intervention
  • Assess the efficacy and safety of TPO-RAs in the treatment of patients with refractory ITP

Instructions for Participation

  1.  Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
  2. Complete the Pretest.
  3.  Study the educational activity.
  4.  Complete the Posttest.
  5. Answer the evaluation questions.
  6. After completion of the Pretest and successful completion of the Posttest and evaluation, you will receive your certificate online.

You will be permitted 2 attempts to successfully complete the Posttest.

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Educational Grants

An educational grant for this activity was provided by:


  1. Amgen