The outbreak of coronavirus in the world has led to an uncertainty about treatment of patients with autoimmune disorders because of their weakened immune system coupled with immunosuppressive agents they take which predisposes them to a host of infections. Data on COVID-19 patients with underlying rheumatological diseases has been emerging mostly in the form of small case series and one global registry. From these data, it seems like our patients, although immunosuppressed, are not particularly susceptible to the coronavirus infection and if infected, do not have significantly worse outcomes than other patients. In fact, drugs like hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, and tocilizumab have been studied for treatment of COVID-19. However, this is only preliminary data, and since a few parts of the world are still grappling with the pandemic at its peak, we need to be equipped on how to protect and manage our immunosuppressed patients. Published evidence to guide treatment decisions are lacking and doubts regarding continuation and initiation of immunosuppressants remain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common immune-mediated disorder in COVID-19 patients, and in this review, we discuss how the commonly used drugs in RA alter the patients' susceptibility to this infection. The review also summarizes the recommendations from the major bodies on how to manage this disease in these times.
Background
Eltrombopag, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist, is effective in chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The data in lupus ITP are sparse. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in lupus ITP.
Methods
This is a single-center study conducted between 2012 and 2017 of 12 subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus–associated ITP. Patients with inadequate or suboptimal response to steroids and other immunosuppressants treated with eltrombopag were included in the study. Time taken for response to therapy (defined as platelets >1 lakh), dose, duration of treatment, and adverse effects of the drug were noted.
Results
A total of 12 subjects were included in the study. The median platelet count at initiation of eltrombopag was 19,000 per μL. The time taken for response to therapy was 8 days. The median platelet count at 1-month follow-up was 241,000 per μL. All patients were concurrently treated with steroids and other immunosuppressants. Sustained benefit after stopping eltrombopag was noted in all patients. No adverse events including thrombotic complication were noted.
Conclusions
Eltrombopag is a new drug in our arsenal for treatment of ITP in lupus. It is a rapidly effective, safe, and orally administered medication. It indirectly contributes to reduction in the dose of steroids and immunosuppressants, thereby minimizing their cumulative adverse effects. It is a promising and safe option for the treatment of lupus-associated thrombocytopenia, but this needs further confirmation from multicenter, multiethnic, randomized controlled trials.
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