Outcomes of Patients with Thrombocytopenia Evaluated at Hematology Subspecialty Clinics.
Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther
; 16(1): 35-41, 2023 Jan 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36634282
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Thrombocytopenia is a frequently encountered laboratory abnormality and a common reason for hematology referrals. Workup for thrombocytopenia is not standardized and frequently does not follow an evidence-based algorithm. We conducted a systematic analysis to evaluate the laboratory testing and outcomes of patients evaluated for thrombocytopenia at hematology clinics in a tertiary referral center between 2013 and 2016. PATIENT ANDMETHODS:
We performed a comprehensive chart review for patients evaluated for thrombocytopenia during the study period. Patients were followed for 1 year from the initial hematology evaluation and assessed for the development of a hematologic malignancy, rheumatologic, or infectious diseases among other clinical outcomes.RESULTS:
We evaluated 472 patients with a median (range) age of 61 (17-94) years. The majority (63.8%) had mild thrombocytopenia. Within 1 year of follow-up, 14 patients (3.0%) were diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy. A higher likelihood of developing a hematologic malignancy was noted in patients with concurrent leukopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 9.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.28-30.32, p < .01) and increasing age (HR per 10-year deciles 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.25, p = .03). In patients with asymptomatic isolated mild thrombocytopenia, laboratory testing did not reveal any significant positive findings and patients did not receive any new major diagnosis during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION:
Our findings provide basis and call for development of an evidence-based algorithmic approach for evaluation of patients with thrombocytopenia, testing, and referrals. It also supports a conservative approach mainly driven by physical exam signs, symptoms, and other laboratory findings for patients with isolated mild thrombocytopenia.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Thrombocytopenia
/
Hematologic Neoplasms
/
Hematology
/
Anemia
/
Leukopenia
Limits:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther
Journal subject:
HEMATOLOGIA
/
NEOPLASIAS
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States