title: Treatment of thrombocytosis in chronic myeloproliferative disorders with interferon alfa-2b.
abstract: Thirty-six patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPD) with thrombocytosis (essential thrombocythaemia 19 patients, chronic megakaryocytic granulocytic myelosis five, polycythaemia vera six, chronic myelogenous leukaemia six) were treated with interferon alfa-2b to reduce the platelet count. The pre-treatment platelet count was in the range 450-700 x 10(9)/L in eight patients, 700-1000 x 10(9)/L in eight and above 1000 x 10(9)/L in 20. In the induction phase of treatment 22 patients were treated with interferon alfa-2b 3 million units (MU) daily subcutaneously for 2 months or until the platelet count returned to normal, if earlier. Fourteen patients received 5 MU interferon alfa-2b daily in the same way. In the maintenance phase the doses were reduced to 3 MU and 5 MU thrice weekly, respectively. Complete response (CR), defined as a reduction of platelet count to below 450 x 10(9)/L, was achieved in 78% of patients (within 2 months of induction in 64%). The platelet depleting effect was dose dependent: CR in 2 months in 52% on 3 MU interferon alfa-2b versus 75% on 5 MU. Reduction of interferon dose was followed by an increase in platelet count in 39% of patients. The white cell count fell by 50% in Philadelphia-negative CMPD. Side effects were common, though generally mild, but led to withdrawal of treatment in six patients. Three patients suffered cerebrovascular events during treatment and one shortly thereafter.
authors.affiliation: III Department of Medicine, County Hospital, Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Seewann
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zikulnig
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gallhofer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schmid
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013922:Thrombocytosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins