Romiplostim versus Recombinant human thrombopoietin in umbilical cord blood transplantation: a single-center...

Delayed platelet engraftment (DPE) is a prevalent complication following umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT), accompanied by increased transplant-related mortality. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of romiplostim and recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) in enhancing platelet engraftment after UCBT. A total of 19 patients scheduled to receive UCBT were randomly assigned to the romiplostim group (250 µg once weekly from day 5 to platelet engraftment after UCBT, n = 7) or rhTPO group (300 U/kg once daily from days 5 to 18 after UCBT, n = 12). The median time of PLT engraftment was no statistical difference between rhTPO and romiplostim group: 29.5 days (range: 13-43 days) compared to 31 days (range: 23-40 days; P =.269). The median dose of romiplostim was 4 (range: 2-5 doses). Furthermore, the consumption of PLT was equivalent between the Ro group and the rhTPO group: 10 units (range: 7-26 units) and 10 units (range: 3-24 units; P =.694). All patients survived for one year and remained relapse-free. Romiplostim group had a lower incidence of acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD). No severe adverse effects were observed in any of the patients. This study demonstrated that romiplostim and rhTPO are both effective in promoting platelet engraftment after UCBT. Romiplostim was more practical and tolerable due to its cost and labor-saving benefits.