title: Vincristine therapy in refractory chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
abstract: 12 patients with refractory, chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, (ITP) received weekly (1 mg) vincristine injections to a cumulative dose not greater than 3 mg. No complications were encountered. 8 patients (67%) showed a rise in the platelet count following the first injection. 5 out of the 8 patients achieved a normal platelet count (greater than 150 X 10(9)/1) after the second dose of vincristine, while 3 obtained variable platelet rises of 20 to 110 X 10(9)/1 above the pre-treatment levels. The duration of platelet response to vincristine without concomitant azathioprine therapy was less than 10 weeks. The simultaneous administration of vincristine and azathioprine resulted in a sustained response in 5 patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014750:Vincristine; D001379:Azathioprine