Romiplostim in thrombocytopenia treatment after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

• Published in: Onkogematologii͡a Vol. 7; no. 1; pp. 29 - 34
• Main Authors: I. A. Lisukov, O. S. Uspenskaya, A. D. Kulagin, S. N. Bondarenko, T. A. Rudakova, O. A. Slesarchuk, B. V. Afanasyev
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: ABV-press 01.07.2014
• Subjects: allogeneic bone marrow transplantation; romiplostim; thrombocytopenia
• ISSN: 1818-8346

Persistent thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The major causes of thrombocytopenia include accelerated platelet destruction by antiplatelet antibodies, microangiopathy, viral infection, drug toxicity, graft`s hypofunction with insufficient production of platelets from megakaryocytes. We have evaluated an efficacy of TPO-receptor agonist romiplostim in treatment of 3 patients with refractory thrombocytopenia after allogeneic BMT. The first 30 years old patient received haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation for refractory AML relapse. He developed graft hypofunction due to CMV infection, acute GVHD and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with platelet counts 5 × 109/l and bleeding complications. After bone marrow “boost” the patient received romiplostim 1 mkg/kg weekly during 2 weeks and 4 mkg/kg during another 2 weeks. Upon reaching platelet counts 50 × 109/l the romiplostim was stopped, but platelet count decreased to 5–7 × 109/l and romiplostim was administered in dose of 4 mkg/kg weekly during 5 weeks. Platelet counts have achieved 150 × 109/l and thrombocytopenia during further follow-up was not revealed. The second 19 years old AML patient received haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation for second remission consolidation. He developed thrombocytopenia (10 × 109/l) due to CMV infection and severe TTP. He received romiplostim 4 mkg/kg weekly and 5 weeks later platelet counts was 50 × 109/l. The administration of romiplostim was allowed to avoid bleeding complications and transfusion dependency. The third 18 years old ALL patient received MUD allogeneic stem cell transplantation for second remission consolidation. He developed profound thrombocytopenia (5 × 109/l) with severe hemorrhagic complications and platelet transfusions refractory due to TTP and acute GVHD. He received one dose of romiplostim 1 mkg/kg and two doses of 3 mkg/kg weekly with completion of hemorrhagic syndromes and achieving 20 × 109/l blood platelet counts. Romiplostim was continued in dose 5 mkg/kg/wk during 2 weeks and stable platelet counts > 30 × 109/l was achieved. The romiplostim efficacy in these patients supports the use of TPO-agonists in patients after allogeneic BMT who developed severe thrombocytopenia due to TTP, CMV infections, acute GVHD and other posttransplant complications.