In the article by George JN. Definition, diagnosis and treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Haematologica 2009; 94:759–762 a wrong version of Figure 1 has been published. Correct version is now presented below.
Figure 1.Sequence of management of patients with ITP - 2009. An oversimplified approach to management is outlined as three consecutive steps. Initial corticosteroid treatment should be limited in duration to avoid intolerable side effects. For patients who fail to respond to corticosteroid treatment, the indications for further treatment become more stringent, as the treatments involve more risk. Both splenectomy and rituximab are frequently used as second treatment options, with one following the other if there is no response. TPO-mimetic agents may become established as third treatment options, because of the risks of infection with more intensive and prolonged use of immunosuppressive agents. At this time, eradication of H. pylori infection is “outside the boxes” of conventional treatment. If it is demonstrated to be effective in certain groups of patients with suspected ITP, it could become a first option treatment because of its safety, tolerability, and low cost.