Fatigue May Predict Thrombocytopenic Episodes in ITP

Abstract

We conducted an observational and retrospective study to determine whether fatigue could predict thrombocytopenic episodes in ITP and whether improvement in fatigue could predict platelet response. Data were collected from clinical records and a survey. We included 82 patients with ITP who had at least one relapse. Fatigue was present in 45 patients (54.9%), of whom 19 (23.2%) reported that fatigue preceded the episode (median 15 days prior) and 18 patients (21.9%) reported that fatigue resolved prior to response confirmation (median 4 days prior). In conclusion, fatigue may predict relapse or response in approximately 1 in 5 patients with ITP.