Premium
Immune thrombocytopenia in severe hemophilia A treated with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin
Author(s) -
Panzer S.,
Zeitelhuber U.,
Hach V.,
Brackmann H. H.,
Niessner H.,
MuellerEckhardt C.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1986.26186124036.x
Subject(s) - medicine , platelet , antibody , immune thrombocytopenia , immune system , gastroenterology , immunoglobulin g , surgery , immunology
Five patients with severe hemophilia A receiving long‐term treatment with commercial factor VIII concentrates developed severe immune thrombocytopenia (ITP, platelet counts <20 × 10 9 /l). Concomitantly, they presented with a marked elevation of serum IgG concentrations (mean, 2364 mg/dl; range, 1712–2954 mg/dl). In four patients, the T helper to suppressor cell ratio was below 1. Treatment with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IgG, 7s) at doses of 0.2g (n = 2) or 0.4 g (n = 3) per kg of body weight on 5 consecutive days was effective immediately. The bleeding tendency ceased and platelet counts rose transiently. In three cases, treatment was repeatedly effective and patients underwent uneventful splenectomies. Thus, high‐dose IgG therapy may serve as a life‐saving agent in patients with severe hemophilia complicated by ITP.