title: [Clinical evaluation of cepharanthin for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].
abstract: Twenty-two patients with steroid-unresponsive idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were treated with cepharanthin, biscoclaurin alkaloid. Cepharanthin was administered orally at a daily dose of 40 mg. Continuous elevation of platelet counts of 6.6-15.0 x 10(4)/microliters and 3-5 x 10(4)/microliters was attained in five and two patients, respectively, 1 to 4 months after the administration. Treatment with cepharanthin might be worth attempting in refractory ITP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology, Kobe City General Hospital.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakayama
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matsushita
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ichiba
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nagai
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044182:Benzylisoquinolines; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D052117:Benzodioxoles
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D044182:Benzylisoquinolines; C006947:cepharanthine; D052117:Benzodioxoles