Genetic breakthroughs showcased on China Platelet Day

Domestic doctors can conduct precise diagnosis on platelet diseases by identifying all the 85 diseases-related genes as well as the introduction of more targeted medicine, doctors said during China Platelet Day on Wednesday.

A charity program was also launched to support patients with immune thrombocytopenia, or ITP, a type of disease characterized by a low platelet count and increased tendency to bleed.

“ITP is the most common cause of bleeding, almost covering one-third of patients with bleeding. People with ITP can suffer bleeding under the skin, inside the brain and digestive channel and people with serious conditions can die,” said Dr Liu Peng, director of the hematology department of Shanghai’s Zhongshan Hospital.

People over 60 years and children are the two highest risk groups.

“ITP is a treatable and controllable disease. Proper effective medication can improve platelet count, stabilize patients' conditions and improve their quality of life,” said Dr Ruan Changgeng, director of Jiangsu Institute of Hematology.

"With identification of disease-related genes, more targeted therapies have been made available in the market, offering patients more effective treatment. We hope the government to included these targeted medicines into medical insurance system soon."