The role of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in the treatment of varicella associated thrombocytopenic purpura.
Two children with varicella associated thrombocytopenia are presented. Case 1, evidencing no mucosal or parenchymal bleeding was administered prednisone 2 mg/kg/day therapy after having been put under observation for a period of one week without medical treatment. There was an increase in the platelet count during the period of therapy culminating in a return to normal on the eighth day. Case 2, who was in poor clinical condition at presentation, was treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (HIVMP) 30 mg/kg/day, resulting in the platelet count returning to a normal level (180,000/mm3) on the second day of therapy. HIVMP therapy is recommended in the treatment of life-threatening cases of thrombocytopenia because of its rapid action, limited side-effects, and its low cost.
Aji
D Y
DY
Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine at Cerrahpaşa.
Altinkaya
N
N
Güler
A
A
Ayhan
Y I
YI
Erginel
A
A
Cenani
A
A
D002644:Chickenpox / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000188:drug therapy*
D008775:Methylprednisolone