title: [Experiences with anti-Rhesus-D therapy in pretreated patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We tested the effect of anti Rhesus D [anti Rh(D)]-specific IgG in heavily pretreated patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective single case studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical department of hematology.
  
  
  METHODS
  6 consecutive patients with heavily pretreated therapy-refractory ITP.
  
  
  METHODS
  5 patients received one cycle of Anti Rh(D) in doses between 1,200 and 6,000 micrograms in 1 patient 2 consecutive cycles were applied. Treatment effect, durability, and side effects were monitored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients after splenectomy and/or immunosuppressive therapy did not respond. Response was short-lived in 2 other patients, one long-term remission could be achieved. Responders showed slight decreases in hemoglobin indicating mild hemolysis. Other major side effects were not observed and the therapy was well tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that therapy with Anti Rh(D) is safe and comparably inexpensive. No clear dose/effect correlation was found in our investigation. Only patients with platelet sequestration into the spleen might respond to Anti Rh(D) therapy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin; D013156:Splenectomy; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007518:Isoantibodies; C061961:RHO(D) antibody; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin
vernacular_title: Erfahrungen mit Anti-Rhesus-D-Therapie bei vorbehandelten Patienten mit idiopathischer Thrombozytopenie.