Korean Journal of Medicine  2008;74(2):176-180

Intravenous Anti-D immunoglobulin treatment of adult chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Hye Jeong KIM 1 ; Yunjin JUNG ; Eui Nam HWANG ; Young Hoon KIM ; Jin Sung CHOI ; Seung Hyun NAM ; Bong Seog KIM ; Do Yeon OH ; Sung Soo YOON ; Sun Yang PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura; Fc receptor blockade; Anti-D-immunoglobulin

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease that is mediated by anti-platelet antibodies. Based on the pathogenesis of ITP we evaluated the efficacy of intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin for adult chronic ITP. METHODS: Fourteen patients (4 without splenectomy and 10 with splenectomy) with refractory chronic ITP were treated with 50-70 microgram/kg of intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin only once. Treatment effects were evaluated by measuring the platelet counts and hemoglobin levels. RESULTS: Five patients (36%) showed a response; improvement in the platelet count lasted for on average 7 days (range: 2~24 days). There were no serious adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Anti-D immunoglobulin, which is associated with an Fc receptor blockade, appeared to be safe and effective for the treatment of adults with chronic ITP. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and define further potentially effective treatment protocols with intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin.