Abstract |
We report results of Rituximab therapy in four patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP) refractory to 3-8 prior therapeutic regimens. Rituximab was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m2 once weekly for 4-6 weeks. Three out of four patients achieved a complete remission (rise to platelet count above 100,000/microl). Response duration was 4, 16+, and 11+ months. Rituximab was well tolerated but one patient (a 77 year-old male) developed two serious infections, pneumonia and a hepatic abscess, at 2 and 4 months. We conclude that Rituximab is effective in patients with refractory ITP; nevertheless, careful patient selection is mandatory.
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Authors | Chrisavgi Lalayanni, Niki Stavroyianni, Riad Saloum, Aliki Tsompanakou, Achilles Anagnostopoulos |
Journal | Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
(Hematology)
Vol. 9
Issue 4
Pg. 287-9
(Aug 2004)
ISSN: 1024-5332 [Print] England |
PMID | 15621736
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Rituximab
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(administration & dosage)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antineoplastic Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Chronic Disease
(therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Liver Abscess
(etiology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pneumonia
(etiology)
- Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
(complications, drug therapy)
- Remission Induction
- Rituximab
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