The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura:A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Abstract Introduction Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by a decrease in platelet counts and can be triggered by various factors, such as viral infections and vaccinations. Concerns have emerged regarding potential links between the vaccines for COVID-19 and the worsening of ITP. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on patients with ITP, including associated risks and outcomes. Methods and Analysis A thorough search will be conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, and CBM, to identify pertinent studies. This study will encompass randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series that assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on individuals with ITP. The primary outcome will center on alterations in platelet count, while secondary outcomes will encompass the occurrence of thromboembolic events, bleeding complications, recurrence rate of ITP, impact of ITP exacerbation, and adverse events. The data will be synthesized and subjected to meta-analysis using Review Manager Software (RevMan) V.5.3. Additionally, subgroup analyses will be conducted to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity.