Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia treated with immunoglobulin.
Twenty five children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura followed from 6-96 months in 7 Italian paediatric departments were treated with high dose immunoglobulin according to a multicentre protocol. Positive responses were observed in 20 of 25 patients (80%) and negative responses in 5 of 25 (20%). On previous steroid treatment 7 of 10 positive responders were steroid resistant and 13 of 15 were steroid dependent. Within four weeks of beginning treatment 16 of 20 patients (80%) relapsed, while 4 of 20 (20%) maintained normal platelet values after 4-12 months' follow up. Statistical analysis of the platelet count on day five of treatment enabled us to divide positive responders into three groups: good, intermediate, and poor. The possible mode of action and clinical application of high dose immunoglobulin are discussed.
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STIEHM, E. R., ASHIDA, E., KIM, K. S., WINSTON, D. J., HAAS, A., GALE, R. P.
(1987). Intravenous Immunoglobulins as Therapeutic Agents. ANN INTERN MED
107: 367-382
[Abstract]
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