The complete blood count, including the platelet count, was measured by a haematology analyzer (Mindray Biomedical Electronics Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China). The serum platelet glycoprotein-specific antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (Assaypro LLC, Saint Charles, MO).
The patient response within three months of the treatment onset was evaluated as complete response (CR), response (R) or no response (NR). CR was defined as a platelet count ≥100 × 109/L without bleeding manifestations; R was defined as a platelet count ≥30 × 109/L or a two-fold increase over baseline platelet count without bleeding; and NR was defined as a platelet count <30 × 109/L or < two-fold increase of baseline platelet count or bleeding. The overall response = CR + R, and the time to response (TTR) was defined as time from treatment onset to response.