This medical condition has either been superseded or has become inactive
Specific Conditions |
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Indication for Ig Use |
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Level of Evidence | Evidence of probable benefit – more research needed (Category 2a) |
Description and Diagnostic Criteria |
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a reduction in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) resulting from shortened platelet survival due to anti-platelet antibodies, reduced platelet production due to immune induced reduced megakaryopoeisis and/or immune mediated direct platelet lysis. When counts are very low (less than 30x109/L), bleeding into the skin (purpura) and mucous membranes can occur. Bone marrow platelet production (megakaryopoiesis) is morphologically normal. In some cases, there is additional impairment of platelet function related to antibody binding to glycoproteins on the platelet surface. It is a common finding in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, and while it may be found at any stage of the infection, its prevalence increases as HIV disease advances. Around 80 percent of adults with ITP have the chronic form of disease. The highest incidence of chronic ITP is in women aged 15 to 50 years, although some reports suggest increasing incidence with age. Chronic ITP may relapse and remit spontaneously and the course may be difficult to predict. If the platelet count can be maintained at a level that prevents spontaneous bleeding or bruising, the outlook is good. The terminology from the ITP International Consensus Report (Provan et al, 2010) for the phases and severity of ITP disease are used in these Criteria. Newly diagnosed is used for all cases within three months of diagnosis; Persistent ITP relates to patients not achieving spontaneous remission within 3 to 12 months from diagnosis or not maintaining a response to treatment during this time; chronic ITP indicates patients with ITP lasting greater than 12 months. Severe ITP relates to patients with clinically relevant bleeding mandating treatment or new bleeding mandating a change in therapy. In the context of these Criteria, refractory refers to patients where splenectomy has failed to correct the ITP or splenectomy is contraindicated and second line therapy has been unsuccessful. Evans syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disease defined by the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and ITP without underlying aetiology. As such, it is a diagnosis of exclusion and other disorders, such as collagen vascular diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma should be ruled out. The 2005 review by Norton and Roberts provided perspective on diagnosis, clinical features and management. |
Justification for Evidence Category |
Five small prospective studies, including three randomised studies, demonstrated equivalent efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in comparison to prednisone 1 mg/kg/day and high-dose dexamethasone regimen. Overall, the studies found a dose response with more rapid increment in platelet counts at scheduling greater than or equal to 0.8 g/kg on day one compared with 0.4 g/kg/day for three days. A small controlled study (10 patients in each arm) of HIV-positive patients with severe thrombocytopenia reported possible benefit for the restoration and maintenance of platelet count for the duration of the haemorrhagic disorder (Biotext 2004). An international consensus statement from January 2010 (Provan et al 2010) reported on new data and provided consensus-based recommendations relating to diagnosis and treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults, in children, and during pregnancy. This statement concluded that few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted and that multi-centre, prospective RCTs are required. A 2005 review on the management of Evans syndrome, based on Massachusetts Hospital data and a literature review, showed a transient response in all patients unless IVIg was given every three weeks (Norton and Roberts 2006). The review concluded that the data supported a role for IVIg in first-line therapy. It was not clear whether it was important for steroids to be given at the same time, although this is common practice. A total dose of 2g/kg in divided doses appeared to be sufficient. The review also stated that there might be a role for IVIg in preference to steroids in the acute setting in very young children. A recent meta-analysis of low to medium quality evaluated outcomes of 13 small RCTs comparing high dose (2g/kg) to lower dose (1g/kg) IVIg in acute ITP. The analysis demonstrated equivalent efficacy for all endpoints studied including platelet responses and control of bleeding (Qin YH et al 2010) in both high dose and low dose groups. |
Diagnosis Requirements |
A diagnosis must be made by a Haematologist, Paediatrician or a General Medicine Physician. |
Qualifying Criteria for Ig Therapy |
Newly diagnosed ITP — initial Ig therapy
This indication should be used to request one-off treatment in patients who have been diagnosed with ITP in the last three months.
For patients requiring subsequent or ongoing therapy, where the diagnosis was made in the last 3 to 12 months, use indication Newly diagnosed or persistent ITP – subsequent therapy (diagnosis < 12 months). For refractory or chronic ITP patients use indication Refractory persistent or chronic ITP – splenectomy failed or contraindicated and second-line agent unsuccessful.
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ITP in pregnancy — initial Ig therapy
IVIg therapy is used to avoid corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and splenectomy during pregnancy. A total dose up to 2g/kg is available under this indication. If a response is achieved but not maintained with this initial Ig therapy, a subsequent induction dose prior to impending procedure or delivery or a maintenance dose titrated to maintain a platelet count above 30x 109/L may be administered every three to four weeks throughout pregnancy. To access the subsequent induction or maintenance dose use the indication –Subsequent or ongoing treatment for ITP responders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
ITP with life-threatening haemorrhage or the potential for life-threatening haemorrhage
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Newly diagnosed or persistent ITP — subsequent therapy (diagnosis <12 months)
This indication should be used to request maintenance therapy for patients who have been diagnosed within the past 12 months. Where the diagnosis was made greater than 12 months ago a request should be submitted using the indication Refractory Persistent or Chronic ITP— splenectomy failed or contraindicated and second-line agent unsuccessful.
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Documentation of clinical effectiveness is necessary for continuation of IVIg therapy. Ongoing use of IVIg should be primarily to prevent bleeding while other treatment options are explored, including splenectomy. Refractory persistent or chronic ITP — splenectomy failed or contraindicated and second-line agent unsuccessful
This indication should be used to request maintenance therapy for patients where a diagnosis was made greater than 12 months ago. For patients who have been diagnosed within the past 12 months a request should be submitted using the indication Newly diagnosed or persistent ITP – subsequent therapy (diagnosis < 12 months).
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Review must be undertaken six monthly by a haematologist, paediatrician, or general physician. Documentation of clinical effectiveness is necessary for continuation of IVIg therapy. Subsequent or ongoing treatment for ITP responders during pregnancy and the postpartum period
IVIg therapy is used to avoid corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and splenectomy during pregnancy. A dose up to 2g/kg is available under the ITP in pregnancy - initial therapy indication. If a response is achieved following this initial therapy but not maintained, a maintenance dose titrated to maintain a platelet count above 30x109/L may be administered every three to four weeks throughout pregnancy under this indication. A subsequent one-off induction dose of up to 2g/kg prior to impending procedure or delivery is also available under this indication.
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ITP and inadequate platelet count for planned surgery
IVIg may be used to achieve a platelet count considered safe for surgery. The safe threshold will vary with the nature of the surgery and whether there is a concurrent bleeding risk. Recommended platelet counts for patients without concurrent risks of bleeding:
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HIV-associated ITP
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Exclusion Criteria |
Evans syndrome – where predominant feature is AIHA - see Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA)
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Review Criteria for Assessing the Effectiveness of Ig Use |
Newly diagnosed ITP — initial Ig therapy
Review is not mandated for this indication however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.
OR
ITP in pregnancy — initial Ig therapy
Review is not mandated for this indication however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.
ITP with life-threatening haemorrhage or the potential for life-threatening haemorrhage
Review Is not mandated for this indication however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.
Newly diagnosed or persistent ITP — subsequent therapy (diagnosis <12 months)
Review must be undertaken six monthly by a haematologist, paediatrician or general physician.
Documentation of clinical effectiveness is necessary for continuation of IVIg therapy. Ongoing use of IVIg should be primarily to prevent bleeding while other treatment options are explored, including splenectomy. On review of the initial authorisation period
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On review of a continuing authorisation period
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Refractory persistent or chronic ITP — splenectomy failed or contraindicated and second-line agent unsuccessful
Review must be undertaken six monthly by a haematologist, paediatrician or general physician.
Documentation of clinical effectiveness is necessary for continuation of IVIg therapy. On review of the initial authorisation period
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On review of a continuing authorisation period
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Subsequent or ongoing treatment for ITP responders during pregnancy and the postpartum period
Review is not mandated for this indication however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.
ITP and inadequate platelet count for planned surgery
Review is not mandated for this indication however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.
HIV-associated ITP
Review is not mandated for this indication however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of Ig therapy.
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Dose |
Newly diagnosed ITP — initial Ig therapy
The objective of IVIg therapy in ITP is to maintain a safe platelet count while other therapeutic options are explored.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient. Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications. ITP in pregnancy — initial Ig therapy
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.
Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administartion and contraindications. ITP with life-threatening haemorrhage or the potential for life-threatening haemorrhage
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.
Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications. Newly diagnosed or persistent ITP — subsequent therapy (diagnosis <12 months)
The objective of IVIg therapy in ITP is to maintain a safe platelet count while other therapeutic options are explored.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient. Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindication. Refractory persistent or chronic ITP — splenectomy failed or contraindicated and second-line agent unsuccessful
The objective of IVIg therapy in ITP is to maintain a safe platelet count while other therapeutic options are explored.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient. Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications. Subsequent or ongoing treatment for ITP responders during pregnancy and the postpartum period
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient.
Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindication. ITP and inadequate platelet count for planned surgery
While a dose of 1-2g/kg is suggested, a lower dose may be appropriate if the patient has previously responded to a lower dose.
IVIg may be used to achieve a platelet count considered safe for surgery. The safe threshold will vary with the nature of the surgery. If an additional induction dose is required prior to a surgical procedure where there has been a response to IVIg, but the platelet count falls to below safe levels for that procedure, a new application is required. The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient. Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration, and contraindications. HIV-associated ITP
The objective of IVIg therapy in ITP is to maintain a safe platelet count while other therapeutic options are explored.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient. Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administartion and contraindications. |
Bibliography |
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Bierling, P & Godeau, B 2005, ‘Intravenous immunoglobulin for autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura’, Human Immunology, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 387–94. Biotext 2004, ‘Summary data on conditions and papers’, in A systematic literature review and report on the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and its risks, commissioned by the National Blood Authority on behalf of all Australian Governments, pp. 42–48. https://www.blood.gov.au/system/files/A-systematic-literature-review-and-report-on-the-efficacy-of-IVIg-therapy-and-its-risks.pdf British Society for Haematology General Haematology Task Force 2003, ‘Guidelines for the investigation and management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults, children and in pregnancy’, British Journal of Haematology, vol. 120, no. 4, pp. 574–96. Darabi, K, Abdel-Wahab, O & Dzik, WH 2006, ‘Current usage of intravenous immunoglobulin and the rationale behind it: the Massachusetts General Hospital data and review of the literature’, Transfusion, vol. 46, no. 5, pp. 741–53. Frommer, M & Madronio, C 2006, The use of intravenous immunoglobulin in Australia. A report for the National Blood Authority, Part B: systematic literature review, Sydney Health Projects Group, University of Sydney, Sydney, pp. 13–14. George, JN, Woolf, SH, Raskob, GE, et al 1996, ‘Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a practice guideline developed by explicit methods for The American Society of Haematology’, Blood, vol. 88, no. 1, pp. 3–40. Godeau, B, Caulier, MT, Decuypere, L, et al 1999, ‘Intravenous immunoglobulin for adults with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: results of a randomised trial comparing 0.5 and 1 g/kg b.w.’, British Journal of Haematology, vol. 107, no. 4, pp. 716–9. Godeau, B, Chevret, S, Varet, B, et al 2002, ’Intravenous immunoglobulin or high-dose methylprednisolone, with or without oral prednisone, for adults with untreated severe autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: a randomised, multicentre trial’, Lancet, vol. 359, no. 9300, pp. 23–9. Godeau, B, Lesage, S, Divine, M, et al 1993, ‘Treatment of adult chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura with repeated high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin’, Blood, vol. 82, no. 5, pp. 1415–21. Jacobs, P, Wood, L & Novitzky N 1994, ‘Intravenous gammaglobulin has no advantages over oral corticosteroids as primary therapy for adults with immune thrombocytopenia: a prospective randomised clinical trial’, American Journal of Medicine, vol. 97, no. 1, pp. 55–9. Kurlander, RJ & Rosse WF 1986, ‘Efficacy of a 2-day schedule for administering intravenous immunoglobulin in treating adults with ITP’, Blood, vol. 68, pp. 112A. Mathew, P, Chen, G & Wang, W 1997, ‘Evans syndrome: results of a national survey’, Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 433–7. Norton, A & Roberts, I 2006, ‘Management of Evans syndrome’, British Journal of Haematology, vol. 132, no. 2, pp. 125–37. Perrella, O 1990, ‘Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in HIV infection: therapeutic possibilities of intravenous immunoglobulins’, Journal of Chemotherapy, vol. 2, no. 6, pp. 390–3. Provan, D, Stasi, R, Newland, AC, et al 2010, ‘International consensus report on the investigation and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia’, Blood, vol. 115, no. 2, pp. 168–86. Qin, YH, Zhou TB, Su LN, et al 2010, 'The efficacy of different dose intravenous immunoglobulin in treating acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials', Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis, 2010, vol. 21, pp.713–721. Unsal, C, Gurkan, E, Guvenc, B, et al 2004, ‘Anti-D and intravenous immunoglobulin treatments in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura’, Turkish Journal of Haematology, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 27–32. Zell, SC & Peterson, K 1997, ‘Long-term remission of HIV-associated thrombocytopenia parallels ongoing suppression of viral replication’, Western Journal of Medicine, vol. 167, no. 6, pp. 433–35. |