Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in the Elderly

Authors:
  • ACAntonio Cerveró
    Antonio Cerveró
  • PCPedro Colomina
    Pedro Colomina
  • EPEmilio Pastor
    Emilio Pastor
  • ALAlfonso López
    Alfonso López
  • APAmalia Perez
    Amalia Perez
  • MPMatïlde Perella
    Matïlde Perella
  • FCFelix Carbonell
    Felix Carbonell
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Abstract
From a group of 118 patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 43 were older than 60 years at diagnosis. In this report, we describe the clinical evolution and therapeutic response in young and old patients. The overal rate of hemorrhagic manifestations was similar in the two age groups, but a greater risk for severe bleeding was observed in elderly patients. There were no significant differences between old and young patients in response to steroids. In none of our patients was mortality associated with bleeding or side effects of the treatment. In conclusion, we have observed a more benign clinical course in elderly patients with chronic ITP as compared to previous reports.