Is low-dose aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) recommended for someone with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?

From the Guidelines

Baby aspirin is not recommended for someone with ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia). In fact, all aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided by people with ITP because these medications impair platelet function and can increase the risk of bleeding 1. ITP is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, resulting in abnormally low platelet counts. Since platelets are essential for blood clotting, people with ITP already have an increased bleeding risk. Taking aspirin, even in low doses like baby aspirin (81 mg), would further compromise the body's ability to form blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation, potentially leading to dangerous bleeding episodes.

Some key points to consider in the management of ITP include:

• The use of TPO-RAs (thrombopoietin receptor agonists) such as romiplostim and eltrombopag for adults with persistent and chronic ITP who are corticosteroid dependent or have no response to corticosteroids 1.
• The consideration of splenectomy for adults with ITP who have failed other treatments 1.
• The emergence of new data in support of fostamatinib, a syk inhibitor, for patients with chronic ITP who have had an insufficient response to previous treatment 1.

If you have ITP and need pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication, consult with your hematologist who can recommend safer alternatives. Additionally, always inform all healthcare providers about your ITP diagnosis before any medical procedures or when receiving new prescriptions.

From the Research

Treatment Options for ITP

• The current treatment options for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, rituximab, and splenectomy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• These treatments aim to increase platelet count and reduce the risk of bleeding in patients with ITP.

Use of Baby Aspirin in ITP

• There is no direct mention of the use of baby aspirin in the treatment of ITP in the provided studies.
• However, it is known that aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in patients with ITP, as it inhibits platelet function 4.
• Therefore, the use of baby aspirin in patients with ITP is not recommended without consulting a healthcare professional.

Management of ITP

• The management of ITP requires an individualized approach, taking into account the patient's age, platelet count, risk of bleeding, and comorbidities 2, 5.
• The treatment plan may involve a combination of therapies, and the patient's response to treatment should be closely monitored 3, 6.