title: [Anti-Rh(D): an efficacious therapeutic alternative in autoimmune hemocytopenias].
abstract: In the last years high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v.IG) has clearly modified the therapeutic approach toward autoimmune hemocytopenia. Their introduction has promoted the studies on the i.v.IG mechanisms of action: the hypothesis most widely accepted is the blockade of Fc-receptors in the reticuloendothelial system. It was hypothesized that low levels of anti-red blood cell antibodies contained in the i.v.IG preparations might be responsible for the Fc-receptor blockade. On this basis, anti-Rh(D) immunoglobulin has been successfully tested in Rh-positive patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The present paper describes the presumed mechanisms of action, clinical indications, side effects and cost of the anti-Rh(D) immunoglobulin. Until now, anti-Rh(D) has been chiefly employed in patients with ITP and human immunodeficiency virus-related ITP. However, at present, new clinical indications are emerging from studies in patients with autoimmune neutropenia, both using the intravenous and the intramuscular route. Anti-Rh(D) immunoglobulin has proved, in our and in other Authors' experience, a safe and easy to be administered treatment, at low cost and slightly lower in efficacy compared with i.v.IG.
authors.affiliation: Divisione di Oncologia Radioterapica, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, PN.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mascarin
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Trovò
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ventura
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D010198:Pancytopenia / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin
vernacular_title: Gli anti-Rh(D): una efficace alternativa terapeutica nelle emocitopenie autoimmuni.