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Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus‐related thrombocytopenia
Author(s) -
Rarick Mark U.,
Montgomery Terri,
Mazumder Amitabha,
Gill Parkash S.,
Loureiro Carmen,
Levine Alexandra M.,
Groshen Susan,
SullivanHalley Jane,
Jamin Denise
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.2830380402
Subject(s) - medicine , platelet , immune thrombocytopenia , nausea , gastroenterology , antibody , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , surgery , immunopathology , immunology
Fourteen patients with sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related immune thrombocytopenia were treated with intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG). The patients were treated with a uniform program consisting of 1 g/kg of IVIG on day 1 and day 2, followed by 1 g/kg on day 15. Most patients had pretreatment bleeding symptoms, which included petechiae, spontaneous and traumatic ecchymoses, gum bleeding, and epistaxis. Median baseline platelet count was 17,000/mm 3 (range 3–61,000/mm 3 ). After the infusion of the IGIV, all patients had a resolution of their bleeding by day 8. The median maximum platelet count achieved with the IGIV was 220,000/mm 3 (range 76–426,000/mm 3 ). No patient achieved either a sustained complete or partial remission after the conclusion of the IVIG therapy. Toxicities were minimal with the majority being headache and nausea. In conclusion, patients with sexually transmitted HIV infection and immune thrombocytopenia respond favorably to IVIG. This treatment should be considered as first‐line therapy for patients with HIV‐related immune thrombocytopenia who require immediate but temporary increase in their platelet count, attributable to symptoms or signs of clinical bleeding or because of the need for an invasive procedure.