Prediction of Splenectomy Outcomes in Relapsed or Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenia.

A recent publication by Kwag et al suggests that first line response to intravenous immunoglobulins in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may predict long term response to splenectomy. Predominant platelet sequestration using platelet kinetic studies may similarly predict ITP patients who respond rest to splenectomy. A study comparing response to intravenous immunoglobulins and platelet kinetic studies prior to splenectomy for ITP might identify to identify the optimal means of predicting response to splenectomy.