Eltrombopag for the Treatment of Severe Inherited Thrombocytopenia

Acta Haematol. 2021;144(3):308-313. doi: 10.1159/000509922. Epub 2020 Sep 28.

Abstract

Inherited thrombocytopenias correspond to a group of hereditary disorders characterized by a reduced platelet count, platelet dysfunction, and a family history of thrombocytopenia. It is commonly associated with mucocutaneous bleeding. Thrombocytopenia results from mutations in genes involved in megakaryocyte differentiation, platelet formation, and clearance. Here we report on a patient presenting with severe syndromic inherited thrombocytopenia manifesting as spontaneous mucocutaneous bleeds, requiring frequent platelet transfusions. Thrombocytopenia was explained by the presence of 4 mutations in 3 hematopoietic transcription factor genes: FLI1, RUNX1, and ETV6. The patient was successfully treated with high-dose eltrombopag at 150 mg/day, an orally available non-peptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist. Since the start of treatment 23 months ago, the manifestations of bleeding have resolved, and no platelet transfusions or corticosteroids have been required. The patient has no clinical or laboratory evidence of myeloid malignancy so far.

Keywords: ETV6; Eltrombopag; FLI1; Inherited thrombocytopenia; RUNX1.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Benzoates / therapeutic use*
  • Blood Cell Count
  • Blood Platelets / cytology
  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit / genetics
  • ETS Translocation Variant 6 Protein
  • Female
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Hydrazines / therapeutic use*
  • Pedigree
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets / genetics
  • Pyrazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thrombocytopenia / drug therapy*
  • Thrombocytopenia / genetics
  • Thrombocytopenia / pathology

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • Hydrazines
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets
  • Pyrazoles
  • RUNX1 protein, human
  • Repressor Proteins
  • eltrombopag