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Eltrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin-receptor agonist that increases platelet counts in a variety of thrombocytopenic disorders, including thrombocytopenia associated with chronic liver disease (JW Oncol Hematol Dec 18 2007). Can eltrombopag also control bleeding and reduce the need for platelet transfusions in cirrhotic patients undergoing invasive procedures?
To answer this question, a multinational team of investigators funded by the manufacturer of eltrombopag conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III trial involving 292 patients (median age, 53) with chronic liver disease and platelet counts <50,000/µL who were scheduled to undergo planned, elective, invasive procedures. Patients received eltrombopag (75 mg da…