Effectiveness of low dose cyclosporine in acquired aplastic anaemia with severe neutropenia
Leeksma, O.C.; Thomas, L.L.; van der Lelie, J.; van Oers, M.H.; von dem Borne, A.E.; Goudsmit, R.
Netherlands Journal of Medicine 41(3-4): 143-148
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-2977 PMID: 1470285 Document Number: 392170
Six patients with acquired aplastic anaemia were treated with cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) either alone or in combination with corticosteroids. A favourable response was observed in 4, including 2 patients presenting with an absolute granuloctye count of less than 0.2 times 10-9/l. The 6th patient showed no effect after 6 wk of therapy and was thereafter successfully treated with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). Side effects of cyclosporine therapy were minimal (maximum follow-up 20 months). Temporary discontinuation of the drug in 1 patient resulted in a relapse which responded to reinstitution of therapy. Our results indicate that cyclosporine may be an effective, well-tolerated agent in acquired aplastic anaemia even in previously untreated patients with severe neutropenia. Neth J Med 1992;41:143-148.