Thrombocytopenia in older individuals is a common but diagnostically challenging condition that has variable clinical impact to those who are affected. Diagnostic approach requires evaluation of the preexisting clinical conditions, detailed review of medications, and assessment for disorders that warrant urgent treatment. In this article, we describe a systematic approach to diagnosis of thrombocytopenia and present a schematic review for management strategies. Three clinical scenarios are presented that are relevant for their prevalence and management challenges in an older adult population. The first scenario addresses primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and reviews different treatment options. The second one addresses complications of thrombocytopenia in management of the myelodysplastic syndrome. The last one reviews diagnostic challenges of drug-induced ITP.
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GERIATRIC HEMATOLOGY|
January 18, 2024
How I diagnose and treat thrombocytopenia in geriatric patients
Patrick Foy,
Patrick Foy
1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Kenneth D. Friedman,
Kenneth D. Friedman
2Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Laura C. Michaelis
Laura C. Michaelis
1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Blood (2024) 143 (3): 214–223.
Article history
Submitted:
October 14, 2022
Accepted:
August 16, 2023
First Edition:
November 13, 2023
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Citation
Patrick Foy, Kenneth D. Friedman, Laura C. Michaelis; How I diagnose and treat thrombocytopenia in geriatric patients. Blood 2024; 143 (3): 214–223. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2022017634
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