Steroids

Abstract

Since the 1950s, corticosteroids, particularly prednisolone, have been key drugs in the initial treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, issues are associated with the long-term efficacy of prednisolone and its side effects in patients treated for a long period of time. Since the 1990s, HD-DEX has attracted attention because of its faster response, shorter treatment period, higher efficacy rate, and tolerability. A number of trials have recently been performed in order to improve the initial treatment of ITP.