RESUMO
AIM: The study of effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in therapy of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High doses of IVIG (0.2-0.4 g/kg b.w. for 4-6 days) were given to 6 female patients aged 20 to 59 years (median--39 years) with immune thrombocytopenia. 4 patients had primary ITP resistant to glucocorticosteroids (GCS) and 1 female had chronic ITP treated by splenectomy without effect. 1 patient with rheumatoid arthritis developed severe thrombocytopenia combined with agranulocytosis when treated with nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs. RESULTS: The response was observed in 5 of 6 patients (in 4 patients resistant to GCS and 1 RA patient). In 3 of them the effect was rated as excellent (platelets level > 150,000 per cubic millimeter), in 2 patients it was good (platelets count from 50,000 to 150,000 per cubic millimeter). Splenectomy was performed in 4 cases with ITP on day 8-14 after IVIG therapy. The 2- and 6-month follow-up evidenced for good results of the surgical treatment. The RA patient showed a stable rise of the blood count. Serious side effects of IVIG therapy were not registered. CONCLUSION: IVIG of Russian produce is effective in the treatment of drug-induced thrombocytopenia and ITP resistant to GCS.
