( p> ITP is characterized by increased a...)Pivotal Phase III Trial Showed Promacta (eltrombopag olamine),Raised Platelet Counts and Reduced Bleeding in Patients With,Chronic ITP,Health

ITP is characterized by increased autoimmune platelet destruction and/or inadequate platelet production. Its cause is currently unknown. Some patients with ITP are asymptomatic or have mild bruising while others develop more serious bleeding that can be life-threatening.(6) A normal blood platelet count is greater than or equal to 150,000/microliter and less than or equal to 400,000/microliter.(7) A reduction in platelet count (to a level <150,000/microliter) is the defining characteristic of any type of thrombocytopenia which can be confirmed following a routine blood test. An endpoint of 50,000/microliter was selected because at a platelet count of <50,000/microliter there is a higher risk of developing bleeding complications from low platelet counts. At a platelet count of >50,000/microliter there is a lower risk of bleeding and bruising. This is consistent with products previously approved to treat ITP and is considered as a target platelet count in ITP treatment guidelines.(8)

Other Forms of Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia can occur as a consequence of an autoimmune abnormality, bone marrow insufficiency, chemotherapy treatment, interferon treatment, viral infection or chronic liver disease.(9,10) Thrombocytopenia can impede a variety of diagnostic and/or medical treatments. It can prevent cancer patients from receiving their full dose of chemotherapy on schedule, preclude patients with hepatitis C infection from receiving interferon therapy or lead to dose reductions or discontinuation of therapy, and complicate surgical or dental procedures.(11,12)

About GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline -- one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies -- is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer. For company information, visit GlaxoSmithKline at http://www.gsk.com.

For further inf
'"/>