Recombinant human interferon alpha-2a therapy in children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
BACKGROUND
In a prospective study, 11 children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura between ages 3 and 18 years were treated with recombinant human interferon alpha 2a (rhIFN alpha-2a).


METHODS
A dose of 3 x 10(6) U/m2 three times weekly for 4 to 5 weeks (one cycle) was administered. Patients were treated with one to four cycles of rhIFN alpha-2a, and the outcomes were measured initially and 18 to 30 months after the last cycle.


RESULTS
Good therapeutic responses (defined as platelet count >100 x 10(9)/L) lasting for 18 to 30 months from the last interferon cycle were achieved in 6 of the 11 (55%) patients, including one with a probable spontaneous remission. Fair responses (platelet count 31-60 x 10(9)/L) for 18 months were achieved in 3 of the 11 (27%) patients. Only two patients, each treated only with one interferon cycle, exhibited no response. Side effects of treatment included fever and a flu-like syndrome, which were usually present during the first 14 days of therapy only.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon-alpha appears to be an effective therapeutic approach to children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, with the potential of sustained long-term remission. A randomized, placebo-controlled study is needed to confirm its role in this population.
Hrstková
Hana
H
Department of Pediatrics, Children's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
Bajer
Milan
M
Michálek
Jaroslav
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011693:Purpura / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins