Avatrombopag for the management of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease.

Avatrombopag for the management of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2020 Nov 25;: Authors: Lozano ML Abstract Severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 x 109 / l) is the most frequent hematological disorder in patients with chronic liver disease, affecting 64%-84% of individuals with cirrhosis. The pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie thrombocytopenia are complex, but the reduction of thrombopoietin levels is considered to play a key role. Until recently, there was continuous debate about the optimal management of patients with chronic liver disease and low platelet counts needing a scheduled invasive procedure. Transfusion of platelet concentrates, considered to be the standard of treatment, has major limitations, such as its short lifespan and limited efficacy, but also relevant adverse effects. Avatrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist that induces megakaryocytic proliferation and differentiation, and platelet production. It has been approved by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products for the treatment of severe thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease before scheduled procedures to decrease the risk of bleeding. Randomized trials have demonstrated this agent to be effective in maintaining platelet counts above 50 × 109 / l over a period of more than 2 weeks, with a similar safety profile to placebo. In this article we review a...
Source: Revista Espanola de Enfermedades Digestivas - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Rev Esp Enferm Dig Source Type: research