Practical guidance for the management of adults with immune thrombocytopenia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Pavord, S, Thachil, J, Hunt, BJ, Murphy, M, Lowe, G, Laffan, M, Makris, M, Newland, AC, Provan, D, Grainger, JD, and Hill, QA.

Publication: British Journal of Haematology; 189,6:1038-1043. June 2020

Affiliations: Department of Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK; Department of Haematology, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Department of Haematology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK; Department of Haematology, John Radcliffe Hospital, NHSBT, Oxford, UK; Department of Haematology, University Hospitals of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, UK ; Department of Haematology, Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Sheffield, UK; Department of Haematology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK; Department of Haematology, Queen Mary University of London, Bart’s and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, London, UK; Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Department of Haematology, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, UK.

Abstract: This document aims to provide practical guidance for the assessment and management of patients with thrombocytopenia, with a particular focus on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intention is to support clinicians and, although recommendations have been provided, it is not a formal guideline. Nor is there sufficient evidence base to conclude that alternative approaches to treatment are incorrect. Instead, it is a consensus written by clinicians with an interest in ITP or coagulation disorders and reviewed by members of the UK ITP forum.