England and Wales ITP Patient Meeting January 2026

This recording features the England and Wales ITP Support Group Meeting, held on Thursday, 29th January 2026, with Professor Adrian Newland, Mervyn Morgan (ITPSA CEO), and members of the ITPSA Board.

The meeting focused on discussing various aspects of ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia), including its management, treatment options, and potential side effects. Participants explored different medical approaches and shared personal experiences with various medications and therapies, while also addressing concerns about COVID-19 vaccinations and their impact on platelet counts.

The discussion concluded with conversations about the psychological and physical impacts of ITP on patients, including fatigue and stress, along with plans for upcoming events and follow-up support for participants. Key Points ITP Management and Patient Insights

The meeting focused on discussing ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) management and patient experiences. Professor Adrian Newland addressed questions about remission, drug interactions, and dietary impacts on platelet counts. He clarified that while some medications and foods may individually affect platelet counts, there is no consistent evidence supporting specific dietary restrictions for ITP patients. Adrian also discussed the role of the spleen in ITP and the risks associated with blood clots. Adrian discussed the risk of cataracts associated with certain medications.

The group discussed experiences with different treatments for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), particularly the switch from Eltrombopag to generic Eltrombopag due to cost. Adrian explained that Eltrombopag is now more affordable due to generic options but emphasized that patients who respond well to their current treatment should generally stay on it. The discussion concluded with a question from a participant about managing ITP in their young daughter, who has responded well to steroids and IVIG but continues to experience platelet drops.

The meeting discussed various aspects of ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia), including treatment options for young patients, the importance of genetic testing, and the impact of stress on the condition. Adrian explained that drugs like Eltrombopag are effective for young patients with ITP and are less likely to have side effects. The group also touched on the role of psychological support for ITP patients, with Adrian mentioning past Zoom meetings with a psychologist and the potential for more sessions in the future. ITP Health Impact and Events The meeting focused on discussing the impact of ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) on physical and mental health, including fatigue and stress. Adrian and Mervyn provided insights into the condition, highlighting that fatigue can occur even with normal platelet counts due to ongoing platelet destruction.

They also addressed questions about the flu jab, drugs that can affect platelet counts, and the importance of tailored exercise. The group discussed upcoming events, including a virtual Scotland meeting in February and an annual patient conference in June.

You may download a complimentary copy of the Shared Decision-Making document from the ITP Support Association website at https://bit.ly/3lNsdKe. The ITP Discussion Guide is also available for download at https://bit.ly/3RlOiye.

For hard copies of these documents, please email your details to info@itpsupport.org.uk.

To become a member of the ITP Support Association, please visit https://itpsupport.org.uk/join-the-it… For additional information, refer to our main website: www.itpsupport.org.uk.