Clinical study on the elderly patients with idiopathic/immune thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics,therapy reactions and prognosis of the elderly patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP). Methods A total of 43elderly ITP patients(age≥60 years old)including 16 men and 27 women were reviewed and further followed up for 1 month to 15 years. Results Until June 2007,35 elderly ITP patients survived,platelet counts were sustained(30-50)×109/L in 7 cases,but no significant bleeding was found.Thirty-six patients had adrenocorticosteroid therapy first, 25 patients were sensitive to adrenocorticosteroid therapy,4 patients underwent splenectomy,and 3 patients achieved a normal platelet count. Immunosuppressive agents(vinscristine,cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and Cyclosporin A)treatments were held in 5 6 case-times,Cyclosporin A and azathioprine were more effective than vinscristine and cyclophosphamide.The refractory rate was 13.9%.One patient progressed to monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance and 1 to lymphoma.Eight patients died.1 patient died of brain bleeding after trauma,3 patients died of malignant neoplasm,4 patients died of heart failure induced by infection. Conclusions The clinical features of elderly ITP patients are atypical.the mortal bleeding in them was rare,treatment strategy should be individualized tO each elderly patient.