Treatment of immune thrombopenic purpura in adults. Current concepts
Efira, A.
La Semaine des Hopitaux Organe Fonde Par l'Association d'Enseignement Medical des Hopitaux de Paris 59(6): 421-425
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-1777 PMID: 6189185 Document Number: 210659
In immune thrombopenic purpura (ITP) therapy is aimed at achieving a safe blood platelet level, i.e. 50000/mm3. Platelet transfusions are helpful only in the case of serious bleeding. Corticosteroids are usually given first, but long-term efficiency can be expected in only one-third of patients. Splenectomy remains the best treatment, providing long-term remission in 50 to 85% of cases. Immunosuppressant therapy is used in intractable ITP; vinca alcaloids are the most effective agents. The value of plasma exchange, especially in cases of uncontrolled bleeding, and of high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin, is emphasized.