Interleukin-11 for treatment of hepatitis C-associated ITP.
BACKGROUND
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is frequently associated with chronic hepatitis C (HpC-ITP).


METHODS
Recombinant interleukin-11 (rIL-11), which has both thrombopoietic and anti-inflammatory properties, was evaluated in 12 patients with HpC-ITP in this pilot study. Group 1 (7 patients) was treated at high dose (50 microg/kg daily) while group 2 (5 patients) at low dose (15-35 microg/kg three/week).


RESULTS
In group 1, mean platelet counts rose from initial 54 x 10(9)/l to 103 x 10(9)/l (p = 0.02) and in group 2, from an initial 51 x 10(9)/l to 74 x 10(9)/l (p = 0.04). Antiplatelet antibody (aPlt-Ab) decreased in group 1. LFT improved in both groups. The mean HCV-RNA decreased in group 1 (p = 0.04), not in group 2. Side effects were common and troublesome, but were minimized with individualized dosing. One patient achieved good remission of both ITP and HpC lasting >2 years with low-dose maintenance.


CONCLUSIONS
When used based on individual tolerance, rIL-11 appears useful in HpC-ITP.
Fontana
Vincenzo
V
Wallace H. Coulter Platelet Laboratory, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Fla. 33136, USA.
Dudkiewicz
Pamela
P
Jy
Wenche
W
Horstman
Larry
L
Ahn
Yeon S
YS
D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D017370:Interleukin-11 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010976:Platelet Count; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000906:Antibodies; D017370:Interleukin-11; D012367:RNA, Viral