Late spontaneous remissions in severe adult autoimmune thrombocytopenia.

Abstract

We report on four cases (three women, one man, age at diagnosis 26-61 years) with severe autoimmune thrombocytopenia (AITP) who were refractory to initial steroid therapy (n = 4), to subsequent splenectomy (n = 2), azathioprine (n = 1), and cyclosporine (n = 1). Over years they received low-dose continuous or intermittent steroid therapy. After 6 to 31 years these patients achieved a "spontaneous" complete remission (CR) (n = 3) or partial remission (PR) (n = 1) unrelated to any specific second or third line treatment; CR/PR are sustained for 0.5+ to 9+ years. These data indicate that spontaneous remissions may occur in AITP even after a long duration of the disease.

• Authors: R Simanek, S Panzer, K Lechner, I Pabinger
• Journal: Annals of hematology (Ann Hematol) Vol. 86 Issue 10 Pg. 705-10 (Oct 2007) ISSN: 1432-0584 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 17503045 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Cyclosporine
• Azathioprine

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (administration & dosage)
• Adult
• Aged
• Azathioprine (administration & dosage)
• Cohort Studies
• Cyclosporine (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic (therapy)
• Remission, Spontaneous
• Splenectomy
• Time Factors