Guidelines from several national societies [1, 2] and an international consensus statement [3] have addressed the management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in great detail. The frequency of monitoring platelet counts in patients with chronic and persistent ITP however has not been addressed in existing guidelines and appears to depend on individual physician choice. Frequent platelet count determinations in these patients in absence of symptoms, or intercurrent febrile illness may lead to unnecessary anxiety for the patient and unneeded physician visits. This is particularly relevant for patients living in areas of the country with poor medical access. Until prospective studies establish recommendations in this regard, a consensus view could be developed by the Indian Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion on the frequency and indications for routine platelet count monitoring in patients with chronic or persistent ITP.
References
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