ABSTRACT
Antithymocyte globulin [ATG] has been the standard alternative for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT] or immunosuppressive therapy [IST] of aplastic anemia. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with ATG in the treatment of aplastic anemia. From October 2003 to March 2007, 30 Iraqi patients [16 males, and 14 females] 24 with severe aplastic anemia [SAA] [=80%] and less severe aplastic anemia [nSAA] [n = 20%] patients were assigned to treatment with rabbit ATG [Thymoglobulin; Fresenius Germany] and methylprednisolone.Their ages ranged from 14-55 years. The patients were treated with 1-ATG 10-15mg/kg 5 -7 days, 2-cyclosporine 5mg/kg 6 months,3-methyl prednisolone 5mg/kg oral or iv 5 days and taper in 28 days. 12 [40%] patients achieved partial remission [P. Overall response was 50%. 18 remained alive. 4 patients [15%] didn't show any response. Six patients [20%] died within 12 months of starting treatment, 4[13.3%] died after more than 12 months after starting treatment. Our experience is similar to the previously reported experiences [11] with similar overall response to the previously reported response of 40-70%, and similar problems