title: Anti-lymphocyte globulin therapy in acquired aplastic anaemia.
abstract: Thirty five patients with acquired aplastic anaemia (AAA) were treated with anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG). Fifteen (42.9%) had non-severe aplastic anaemia (NSAA), 14 (40%) severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) and 6 very severe aplastic anaemia (VSAA). There were 17 (48.6%) responders to the first course of ALG while 2 out of 5 (40%) responded to a second course, the overall response rate being 54.3%. Eleven out of 15 (73.3%) with NSAA responded, 8 out of 20 (40%) with SAA responded while none of VSAA responded. All the non-responders have died. Out of the responders, 1 died of non-A non-B hepatitis, and 1 with relapse of AA and sepsis. One has developed paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and one myelodysplasia. Another 2 needed infrequent red cell transfusion support. Remaining 13 (37.1%) are asymptomatic and without any external support since 18-78 months (35 +/- 21). We conclude that ALG is an effective modality of treatment for patients with AAA.
authors.affiliation: Bombay Hospital P.G. Institute of Medical Sciences, Marine Lines.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: U M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Bhave
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vishwanathan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000741:Anemia, Aplastic / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum