Clinical remission following monoclonal anti-CD20 therapy in two children with chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Two patients, a 4-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl who had a 2-year and a 3-year history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, respectively, were referred to our Department. Both patients had frequent haemorrhagic events. They received i.v. immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, interferon alpha-2b and azathioprine, but no clinical remission was established. The girl also underwent splenectomy. Anti-CD20 antibody was administered to both patients at a dose of 375 mg/m(2) once weekly for 4 weeks. No side-effects were detected. During the 18-month follow-up period the patients received no other drug and remained in clinical remission. The B lymphocytes remained undetectable in peripheral blood for 3 months and they progressively increased during the following 4 months. Rituximab is a novel, quite effective, safe treatment of chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood. More studies and follow up of patients for longer periods are necessary.
Moschovi
Maria
M
Hematology-Oncology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Trimis
Georgios
G
Pergantou
Helini
H
Platokouki
Heleni
H
Vrachnou
Eleni
E
Tzortzatou-Stathopoulou
Fotini
F
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012074:Remission Induction
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018951:Antigens, CD20