Immune thrombocytopenia increases mortality risk by 40%, expert warns

Valerio De Stefano, a professor of hematology at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, has highlighted the severity of immune thrombocytopenia, a rare disease that increases mortality risk by approximately 40%. He noted that about half of this increased risk is due to hemorrhages caused by low platelet counts.

While often associated with young females, De Stefano clarified that the condition affects a broad demographic, including children and the elderly. He noted that treatment options have evolved significantly over the last 15 years. While splenectomy was previously a common approach, new classes of drugs, including monoclonal antibody therapies and medications that maintain stable platelet counts, offer less invasive alternatives.

De Stefano also raised concerns regarding the limitations of independent medical research. He stated that current privacy regulations and ethical committee constraints are hindering independent studies, leaving large-scale research primarily dependent on industry funding.