title: Refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: responses to treatment with a recombinant antibody to lymphocyte membrane antigen CD20 (rituximab).
abstract: "Refractory" autoimmune thrombocytopenia represents a life-threatening condition, having failed to respond to a variety of therapeutic measures. We report a series of cases, all failing splenectomy and multiple therapeutic programs, including, in two patients, marrow transplant. Five of the six cases reported responded to a recombinant antibody to the lymphocyte membrane antigen CD20 (rituximab), an agent commonly employed in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Our experiences over a period of 4 years are documented. The results support the use of this product, rituximab, in the treatment of patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia who have not attained a hemostatically effective platelet count following splenectomy and require a continuing therapeutic management program.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.
authors.forename: Mohit
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Narang
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Penner
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D012074:Remission Induction; D000069283:Rituximab; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D013156:Splenectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D000069283:Rituximab