Deflazacort in thrombocytopenia: a comparison with prednisone
Mazzucconi, M.G.; Malagnino, F.; De Laurentis, C.; Criscuolo, D.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy and Toxicology 18(12): 538-542
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0174-4879 PMID: 7194867 Document Number: 167576
Deflazacort [pregna-1,4-diene-11.beta.,21-diol-3,20-dione[17.alpha.,16.alpha.-d]-2'-methyloxazoline 21-acetate] is a new glucocorticoid which in previous studies was .apprx. 0.8 times as potent as prednisone. Twelve outpatients affected by chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, in whom the maintenance dose of corticosteroid was established, were given 6 mg deflazacort for each 5 mg prednisone equivalent. Effectiveness of deflazacort therapy was estimated on the basis of the results of platelet count, bleeding time, tourniquet test, and physical signs related to platelet function. Tolerability was evaluated on the basis of laboratory data, side effects and body weight. Deflazacort was administered for 54-263 days (mean 114.5) and at the same mean daily dose of prednisone, succeeded in keeping platelet number unchanged. As far as bleeding time, tourniquet test and physical signs are concerned, deflazacort therapy gave a further improvement compared to prednisone. Both treatments were very well-tolerated. The high number of white blood cells and neutrophils during prednisone therapy was restored to the normal range by deflazacort.