title: [Randomized comparison of intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone pulse therapy in children with newly diagnosed idiopathic thrombocytic purpura. The Danish ITP Study Group].
abstract: Forty three children with newly diagnosed idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), platelet count (pl.c.) below 20 x 10(9)/l, and either clinically significant bleeding or failure to show a spontaneous platelet rise within three days of admission were randomly allocated to treatment with intravenous infusions of either immunoglobulin (IVIG) 1 g/kg or methylprednisolone (MPPT) 30 mg/kg on two consecutive days. Prompt induction of partial remission with pl.c. > 50 x 10(9)/l after 72 hours was seen in 21/23 given IVIG versus 10/20 given MPPT (exact p = 0.003); mean pl.c.s after 72 hours were 188 versus 77 x 10(9)/l (2p < 0.001). Poor responders were then given the alternative infusions in addition. After six days, complete remission with pl.c. > 150 x 10(9)/l was achieved in 16/23 versus 10/20 (p = 0.16). During six months follow-up, there were no significant differences regarding relapse rates or chronic course. Eleven children with relapse were crossed over to the alternative treatment arm: the estimated treatment effect in pl.c. after 72 hours was 134 x 10(9)/l in favour of IVIG. These results indicate that IVIG infusions may be preferable to high-dose corticosteroids as initial treatment for children with ITP.
authors.affiliation: Aalborg Sygehus Nord, børneafdelingen.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosthøj
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: F K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Pedersen
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone
vernacular_title: Randomiseret sammenligning af intravenøs immunglobulin og methylprednisolon-pulsterapi hos børn med nydiagnosticeret idiopatisk trombocytopenisk purpura. The Danish ITP Study Group.