Avatrombopag for the management of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease

Severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 x 109/l) is the most frequent hematological disorder in patients with chronic liver disease, affecting 64-84 % of individuals with cirrhosis. The pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie thrombocytopenia are complex, but the reduction of thrombopoietin levels is considered to play a key role. Until recently, there was a continuous debate about the optimal management of patients with chronic liver disease and whether low platelet counts require a scheduled invasive procedure. Transfusion of platelet concentrates is considered to be the standard treatment, but has major limitations such as its short lifespan, limited efficacy and relevant adverse effects. Avatrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist that induces megakaryocytic proliferation and differentiation and platelet production. It has been approved by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products for the treatment of severe thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease before scheduled procedures, to decrease the risk of bleeding. Randomized trials have demonstrated that this agent is effective in maintaining platelet counts above 50 × 109/l over a period of more than two weeks, with a similar safety profile to the placebo. In this article, we review avatrombopag in the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Furthermore, the main differences of this intervention in comparison to the previous standard of care therapy are discussed.