Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: RESULTS: All patients had increased platelet counts (mean [+/- SD] count before treatment, 12,000 +/- 8200 per cubic millimeter; after treatment, 248,000 +/- 130,000 per cubic millimeter). The platelet counts remained above 100,000 per cubic millimeter for at least six months after the last cycle of treatment. There were no serious side effects. Features of hyperadrenocorticism due to prior corticosteroid therapy resolved during treatment. The cost of the drug was approximately $100 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Although the possibility of spontaneous remission and a delayed benefit from prior therapy cannot be excluded in this small group of patients, pulsed high-dose treatment with dexamethasone may provide a low-cost therapeutic option with minimal side effects in patients with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
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Authors | J C Andersen |
Journal | The New England journal of medicine
(N Engl J Med)
Vol. 330
Issue 22
Pg. 1560-4
(Jun 02 1994)
ISSN: 0028-4793 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8177245
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Chronic Disease
- Dexamethasone
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Platelet Count
- Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
(blood, drug therapy)
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