[Therapy of thrombocytosis in myeloproliferative syndromes using recombinant interferon-alpha-2a].

Abstract

In a prospective open study 16 consecutive patients with a myeloproliferative syndrome and thrombocytosis were treated with interferon (IFN) alpha-2a. 4 patients had polycythemia vera, 4 essential thrombocythemia, 3 myeloid metaplasia and 5 chronic granulocytic leukemia. Platelet counts decreased in all treated patients within 2 to 12 weeks from a median value of 1010 x 10(9)/l to 350 x 10(9)/l. No primary or secondary resistance was observed. The initial dose of IFN was 9 m U per day. After correction of the thrombocytosis, it was progressively reduced to a minimum dose of 3 m U per week. Despite the good platelet response to IFN, leukocytosis persisted in 3 patients and polycythemia in a further 3. Side effects and poor compliance required discontinuation of therapy in 6 patients. Special attention is focused on the follow-up in 6 patients who have been treated for more than 15 months.

• Authors: A Tichelli, A Gratwohl, F Delacrétaz, H Dazzi, C Stebler, M Wernli, E E Holdener, C Nissen, B Speck
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 119 Issue 39 Pg. 1347-52 (Sep 30 1989) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Therapie der Thrombozytose bei myeloproliferativen Syndromen mit rekombinantem Interferon-alpha-2a.
• PMID: 2799342 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Interferon Type I
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha
• Recombinant Proteins

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Humans
• Interferon Type I (therapeutic use)
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myeloproliferative Disorders (complications, therapy)
• Pilot Projects
• Prospective Studies
• Recombinant Proteins
• Thrombocytosis (etiology, therapy)