Romiplostim for treatment of thrombocytopenia in dogs: A retrospective assessment and clinical outcomes

Min Ok Ryu, Jin Kyung Kim, Ju Hyun An, Kyoung Won Seo, Ye In Oh, Hwa Young Youn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin analog, is commonly used to treat immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) in humans, but its use in dogs remains limited. Objectives: Evaluate the effects and adverse events of romiplostim administration in dogs with thrombocytopenia caused by various underlying diseases. Animals: Forty-two client-owned dogs with naturally occurring thrombocytopenia at 2 referral animal hospitals. Methods: Retrospective, multi-institutional analysis to evaluate the outcomes of romiplostim treatment in dogs. Results: Among the dogs treated with romiplostim, 27 experienced an increase in platelet count and 26 maintained a platelet count within the reference range. Platelet count improvement was observed in various conditions: primary ITP (90%, n = 18/20), pancytopenia of unknown etiology (42.9%, n = 3/7), chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (50%, n = 3/6), babesiosis (100%, n = 1/1), radiotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (0%, n = 0/1), and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (33.3%, n = 2/6). The median time for platelet recovery (>50 000/μL) after romiplostim administration was 4 days, and the median time for platelet count normalization was 7 days. Median hospitalization time for the improvement group (I) was 5 days. The survival-to-discharge rates were 85%, 40%, and 28.6% for dogs with primary ITP, secondary thrombocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia of unknown etiology, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Romiplostim is a well-tolerated and promising treatment for primary ITP in dogs, suggesting its potential as a valuable therapeutic option for dogs with thrombocytopenia caused by various underlying conditions. These findings emphasize the need for further research to optimize romiplostim dosing and understand its role in treating secondary thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia of unknown etiology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2158-2164
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Volume38
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2024

Keywords

  • canine
  • immune-mediated
  • pancytopenia
  • thrombopoietin

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