Successful Treatment of An Elderly Patient with Refractory Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura with Combination Therapy of Rituximab and Corticosteroids: A Case Report

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4686-4686
Author(s):  
Yun Ling ◽  
Xiangshan Cao ◽  
Xinyu Qian
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Chronic Itp ◽  
Duration Of Response

Abstract Abstract 4686 Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder. A corticosteroid, usually prednisone is often the first line treatment for ITP. However, the problem is that about 70 percent of adult patients experience a relapse after discontinuation of corticosteroids. And approximately 20–30% of patients with chronic ITP do not respond to corticosteroids therapy. Rituximab has been proven effective in refractory chronic ITP, but the timing of response is slower than expected, at least three months might be necessary to observe an effect. And the response duration to rituximab remains relatively short in some patients. So, sometimes it is necessary to use combination therapy including rituximab, according to different patient conditions. Here, we report an 82-year-old man with chronic ITP who had thrombocytopenia (platelet count <10 × 109/L) for more than 6 months and relapsed on a prednisone taper. He presented sustaining blood-tinged sputum, bleeding in skin and steroid-induced diabetes, the result of short-term prednisone. He didn't want splenectomy and other immune suppressive drugs. His blood glucose got control after insulin therapy. We gave the patient intravenous infusions of rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks combined with dexamethasone (10 mg intravenously weekly for 4 weeks). After first dose of dexamethasone followed by rituximab, within 24 hours his platelet count had increased to 65 × 109/L and bleeding symptoms were significantly improved. During the next 3-week period of treatment, his platelet counts fluctuated between 30 × 109/L and 60 × 109/L. And then the platelet count dropped back to a minimum of 19 × 109/L. Consider the slow responses to rituximab and prevention of bleeding, we still gave the patient maintenance therapy with 15mg prednisone daily and he had been no bleeding. Two months after starting rituximab and dexamethasone, his platelet counts began to gradually recover to normal. Although we need to further observe the patients's duration of response, this case suggests that combination therapy of rituximab and corticosteroids may be a promising treatment for refractory chronic ITP. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Rituximab Treatment in Childhood Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4461-4461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Yoon Kim ◽  
Kun Soo Lee ◽  
Hyoung Jin Kang ◽  
Hoon Kook ◽  
Hong Hoe Koo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Chronic Itp ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Abstract Abstract 4461 Background Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by mucocutaneous purpura and thrombocytopenia caused by circulating anti-platelet auto-antibodies. ITP is usually self-limited in children, but around 20% of patients will develop chronic ITP. The conventional treatments for children chronic ITP include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), corticosteroid therapy, anti-D immune globulin, or splenectomy. Some children with chronic ITP are refractory to these treatments and nowadays begun to try new treatment agents such as rituximab. Rituximab as a monoclonal antibody to CD-20, has shown promising reports to these patients with refractory chronic ITP in adults groups and a few children groups. We investigated this study to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab for childhood chronic ITP in Korea. Methods We reviewed the questionnaires and medical records about the clinical progresses and results in thirteen children from eight clinical institutes, retrospectively. Complete response (CR) was considered if the platelet count was > 100,000/uL. Results Thirteen patients with chronic thrombocytopenia who had been treated with rituximab were investigated. Two patients were lost to follow-up after rituximab. Finally eleven patients were evaluated including one patient with Evans syndrome. Median age was 6.5 year (range, 0.5 ∼ 15.4). Median platelet count at baseline was 13,700/uL (3,000∼46,000). All patients had been treated with conventional therapy including IVIG and steroids. One had done splenectomy. Median follow-up duration was 2.8 years (1.1-5.9). Among 11 patients, CR was achieved in 3 patients (27%). Their platelet count prior to rituximab were < 10,000/uL. They were treated as the regimen of 375 mg/m2/dose weekly for 4 doses. Time from the first rituximab dose to achievement of complete response was 3.9, 4.9 and 5.7 weeks respectively. One patient who was relapsed 6months after the first course of rituximab was received second course of rituximab using the same regimen and achieved a new CR at 9.3 weeks after. There were no reports about severe complication or interruption of medication. Conclusions Therefore, we suggest that rituximab is effective treatment choice in childhood refractory chronic ITP and well tolerated. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Study on the Efficacy and Safety of IGIV3I Grifols (Human Intravenous Immunoglobulin) in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3956-3956
Author(s):  
Antonio Julia ◽  
Lidia Kovaleva ◽  
Ignacio Alberca ◽  
Fernando Hernandez ◽  
Svetlana Loria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Platelet Count ◽  
Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Study Drug ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Chronic Itp

Abstract Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products are considered a useful treatment in patients with chronic idiopathic/immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to prevent bleeding or prior to surgery, when platelet counts have to be rapidly increased. IGIV3I Grifols is a highly purified, unmodified human IgG product whose manufacturing process follows the same basic principles of Flebogamma® (another IVIG manufactured by Grifols in clinical use since 1992). The main differences between both processes are how purification steps are sequentially arranged, and the introduction of two specific steps to inactivate/remove any potential contaminating pathogen (solvent-detergent treatment and sequential nanofiltration through 35 and 20 nm pore size filters), as additional viral elimination steps to pasteurization, already present in Flebogamma®. An open prospective study was planned to investigate the efficacy and safety of IGIV3I Grifols in 20 adult patients with chronic ITP (at least 6 months after diagnosis). Twenty adult subjects were enrolled and 19 patients with chronic ITP in acute phase (platelet counts &lt;20x109/l) were treated. Patients received 0.4 g/kg body weight for 5 consecutive days. Efficacy endpoints were the proportion of patients who reached a platelet count ≥50x109/l, the time taken for the platelet count to reach the target level and the duration of response. Regression of haemorrhages was documented during the first 14 days of follow-up. Safety parameters including adverse events (AEs), laboratory determinations and vital signs were regularly monitored. The follow-up of patients ended 3 months after first dose of IGIV3I Grifols to determine any change in viral markers for HIV, HCV, HBV and HAV. Results from intention to treat (ITT) population (n=20) and per protocol (PP) population (n=19) are presented. A patient was withdrawn from the study because she did not present an immune idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. A total of 14 patients (ITT = 70%; PP = 74%) responded to the study drug. The median time to platelet response was ≥2.5 days and the median number of days in which the platelet count remained ≥50x109/l was ≥7.0 days. For 17 patients (ITT = 85%; PP = 89%) a regression of the bleeding episodes was reported on day 14. Eight out of 20 patients presented 21 AEs potentially related to the study drug (16 mild and 5 moderate). Headache and fever (6 cases each), hypertension (2), decreased blood pressure (2) or hypotension (1), blood pressure fluctuation (1), thrombocythaemia (1), bradycardia (1) and asthenia (1) were AEs potentially related to study drug. No patients experienced clinically significant abnormalities in the laboratory values (haematology and renal and hepatic functions) and no patients changed their virological markers during the follow-up of the study. The results show that IGIV3I Grifols is safe and adequate to achieve a safe platelet count in patients with refractory chronic ITP.

Efficacy and Safety of a New Intravenous Immunoglobulin Product in Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1307-1307
Author(s):  
Tadeusz Robak ◽  
Abdulgabar Salama ◽  
Lidia Kovaleva ◽  
Yaroslava I. Vyhovska ◽  
Simon Davies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Intravenous Immunoglobulin ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Platelet Response ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Chronic Itp

Abstract Background Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an accepted treatment for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A new liquid 10% human IgG preparation stabilized with proline at a pH of 4.8 (trade name: Privigen) was recently developed. It can be stored at room temperature and is therefore always ready to use. Here we report its efficacy and safety in patients with chronic ITP. Patients and Methods Fifty-seven patients with chronic ITP and a platelet count below 20 x 109/L were included in this open-label, single arm, multi-center Phase III trial. IVIG was given at a dose of 1 g/kg on 2 consecutive days at a maximum infusion rate of 4 mg/kg/min. A subset (56.1%) of the patients received premedication (acetaminophen or diphenhydramine) to avoid adverse events. The primary endpoint was the platelet response rate, defined as the percentage of patients showing an increase in platelet count to ≥50 x 109/L within 7 days of the first infusion. Secondary endpoints included platelet counts at specified time points, time to platelet response, duration of platelet response, and regression of hemorrhages at different bleeding sites. Safety was evaluated by the frequency and severity of adverse events. Results The primary endpoint, an increase in platelet counts to ≥50 x 109/L, was achieved by 81% of the subjects (95% CI: 69–89%). The highest median platelet count (149 x 109/L) was observed on day 8. Median time to response was 2.5 days, with 43% of subjects responding within 1 day. Median duration of platelet response (days with platelet count ≥ 50 x 109/L) was 15.4 days. Regression rates for various bleeding sites ranged from 78% to 100%. Regression of bleeding correlated with increases in platelet counts. Adverse events were reported in 52 (91%) subjects. The most common adverse event was headache (67%), the incidence and severity of which was attenuated by premedication with acetaminophen/diphenhydramine. There were 3 serious adverse events, one of which (aseptic meningitis) was considered related to the study medication. Conclusions The present study has shown the safety and significant efficacy of a novel, 10% liquid, ready for use IVIG preparation, in patients with chronic ITP. A rapid increase in platelet counts to a level where severe bleeding episodes become more unlikely was seen in the majority of patients, as expected with IVIG given at 1 g/kg on 2 consecutive days. The increase in platelet counts was associated with a regression of bleeding. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate in severity, corresponded to those expected with IVIG, and could be prevented with premedication.

scholarly journals Quantitation of platelet-associated IgG by radial immunodiffusion

Blood ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 809-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
BS Morse ◽  
D Giuliani ◽  
M Nussbaum
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Radial Immunodiffusion ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Normal Platelet ◽  
Serum Igg ◽  
Acute Itp ◽  
Igg Level

Abstract Platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) was measured by a simple radial immunodiffusion technique using washed solubilized platelets and commercially available immunoplates. Subjects with normal platelet counts had PAIgG levels of 1.5--7.0 fg/platelet. Subjects with idiopathic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) had levels ranging from 5.7 to 70.5 fg/platelet. All patients with recurrent ITP and 85% of patients with acute ITP had elevated PAIgg. Elevated PAIgG was also found in 17% of patients with recovered ITP, 40% of patients with SLE and thrombocytopenia, 57% of patients with thrombocytopenia occurring during the course of septicemia, and 100% of patients with IgG myeloma in whom the serum IgG level was clearly elevated, regardless of the platelet count. The results are similar to reports that used more complex techniques.

Platelet Counts Following Eltrombopag Discontinuation in Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3517-3517
Author(s):  
Gregory Cheng ◽  
Michael Tarantino ◽  
Terry Gernsheimer ◽  
Oliver Meyer ◽  
Andres Brainsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Rescue Medication ◽  
Study Medication ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Baseline Platelet Count ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Transient Decrease

Abstract Abstract 3517 Poster Board III-454 BACKGROUND Eltrombopag (PROMACTA®; GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA) is an oral, small molecule (565 Da), thrombopoietin receptor agonist that has been approved in the United States for the treatment of patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). It is also being studied in thrombocytopenic patients with chronic liver disease, hepatitis C, myelodysplastic syndromes, and cancer. Withdrawal of treatments that stimulate platelet production may theoretically result in recurrent thrombocytopenia below pretreatment levels (below baseline). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether worsening of thrombocytopenia (ie, platelet count decrease below baseline) occurs after discontinuation of eltrombopag in patients with chronic ITP. METHODS: The lowest median platelet counts during the first 4 weeks posttherapy were compared with median baseline platelet counts. Data from 369 patients treated in 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were analyzed: TRA100773A and TRA100773B were 6-week studies, and RAISE was a 6-month study. For all 3 studies, a baseline platelet count <30,000/μL was required. Platelet counts, bleeding events, and the use of ITP medication were examined in the 4 weeks following the discontinuation of eltrombopag or placebo. A transient decrease in platelet counts (ie, worsening of thrombocytopenia) was defined as a platelet count below 10,000/μL and at least 10,000/μL below each patient's baseline platelet count (Bussel N Eng J Med 2006). RESULTS: Using pooled data from the 3 studies, no decreases below baseline median platelet counts (placebo, 16,300/μL; eltrombopag, 16,000/μL) were observed compared to the lowest median platelet counts within the first 4 weeks posttherapy (placebo, 14,000/μL; eltrombopag, 17,000/μL). Across the pooled studies, a total of 10/128 (8%) of placebo-treated patients and 20/241 (8%) of eltrombopag-treated patients had a transient decrease in platelet counts in the 4 weeks following discontinuation or interruption of treatment. None of the 10 placebo-treated patients had bleeding events associated with posttreatment platelet nadirs. Three of the 20 eltrombopag-treated patients had bleeding events and/or rescue treatment associated with the platelet nadir in the 4-week posttreatment period. One patient discontinued eltrombopag after achieving platelet counts >200,000/μL following on-therapy rescue medication (corticosteroid 0.5 mg/kg/day); 9 days after discontinuing study medication, the patient had grade 1 gum bleeding and resumed daily corticosteroids at an increased dose. The second patient had grade 3 menorrhagia and was administered vincristine (patient had a history of similar symptoms). The third patient had Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, interrupted eltrombopag due to platelet counts >400,000/μL, and 7 days after holding eltrombopag had a platelet count of 2000/μL, experienced grade 1 mouth hemorrhage and grade 2 petechiae, and did not require rescue medication. The patient continued in the study for the full 6 months and following permanent discontinuation of eltrombopag, this patient did not experience a transient decrease in platelet counts or any bleeding. CONCLUSION: Across 3 placebo-controlled studies, the incidence of transient decreases in platelet counts following discontinuation or interruption of study medication was similar in patients receiving eltrombopag or placebo. Therefore, these decreases may be unrelated to study medication and may represent normal fluctuations in platelet counts in patients with chronic ITP. Transient platelet count decreases were generally not associated with bleeding events. Disclosures: Cheng: GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding. Tarantino:GlaxoSmithKline: Speakers Bureau; Lundbeck: Speakers Bureau; Baxter: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Gernsheimer:GlaxoSmithKline: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding. Meyer:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Honoraria. Brainsky:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment. Stone:GlaxoSmithKline: Employment.

Thrombopoietin Levels May Predict Responsiveness to Therapy with Thrombopoietin Agonists Among Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura,

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3288-3288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Makar ◽  
Olga S. Zhukov ◽  
Mervyn A. Sahud ◽  
David J. Kuter
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Clinical Response ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Myeloproliferative Disorders ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Production ◽  
Platelet Counts

Abstract Abstract 3288 INTRODUCTION: Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the major regulator of platelet production. In prior clinical studies, thrombopoietin levels have been shown to vary inversely with circulating platelet mass and with the rate of platelet production. Thus, TPO levels may help distinguish between the various disorders of thrombocytopenia. In addition, the introduction of TPO agonists has created an interest in predicting the response of patients to these agents. Determining TPO levels may help predict such treatment responses. METHODS: Sera from 121 patients with a history of abnormal platelet counts were tested using a novel, commercially available ELISA assay that measures TPO levels. The TPO assay detected TPO levels as low as 7 pg/mL and was linear for levels up to 2000 pg/mL. The coefficient of variation ranged from 27% near the lower limit of detection to 9% at a TPO concentration of 669 pg/mL. The reference range for TPO was established in serum samples from 118 apparently healthy individuals (58 males and 60 females) and was 7–99 pg/mL. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare continuous variables and the Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables. RESULTS: The patient population included 40 patients with a consumptive thrombocytopenia (38 with primary or secondary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 2 with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura), 34 patients with myeloproliferative disorders (23 with essential thrombocytosis, 9 with polycythemia vera, 2 with an ill-defined myeloproliferative disorder), and 47 patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia (29 with chemotherapy-related thrombocytopenia, 19 with primary or secondary bone marrow failure syndromes). Among the 38 patients with ITP, 11 were taking TPO agonists (9 on romiplostim, 2 on eltrombopag), 19 were taking immunomodulatory agents (16 on steroids alone or in combination with other therapies, 2 on azathioprine, 1 on danazol), and 12 were off ITP-specific therapy when the TPO level was measured. 9 out of 38 (24%) patients with ITP had undergone splenectomy and/or been previously treated with rituximab. The median serum TPO level in patients with consumptive thrombocytopenia was 64.5 pg/mL (interquartile range, 48.5–97.5 pg/mL) and the corresponding median platelet count was 68,000/μL (interquartile range, 27,000–144,500) (Figure). While patients with myeloproliferative disorders had similar TPO levels [median 87.0 pg/mL (38.0–125.5)], their platelet counts were significantly higher than those of patients with consumptive thrombocytopenia [median 549,500/mL (431,250–693,000] (P <0.0001). Contrastingly, comparable platelet counts [median 61,000/μL (31,000–118,000)] were observed among patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia, but serum TPO levels were significantly higher than those of patients with consumptive thrombocytopenia [844 pg/mL (409.5–1551.5), P <0.0001]. Among 22 evaluable patients meeting diagnostic criteria for primary or secondary ITP who had taken a TPO agonist for at least 1 month, serum TPO levels appeared to predict responsiveness to the drug. A clinical response to a TPO agonist was defined as achieving a platelet count ≥50,000/μL after starting the drug and maintaining it at or above that count in ≥50% of subsequent complete blood counts from initiation until discontinuation of the drug, loss to follow-up, or 6 months had passed, whichever was longest, without the need for recurrent rescue therapy. Whereas 14 out of 16 (88%) ITP patients with a TPO level <99 pg/mL met our definition for a clinical response to treatment with a TPO agonist, only 1 out of 6 patients (17%) with a TPO level >99 pg/mL responded (P <0.005 for the difference in clinical response to TPO agents.) CONCLUSIONS: TPO levels may have diagnostic utility in discriminating between patients with hypoproliferative and consumptive thrombocytopenia. High TPO levels among patients with ITP may predict a poor clinical response to treatment with TPO agonists. Further studies are required to confirm these data. Disclosures: Zhukov: Quest Diagnostics: Employment. Sahud:Quest Diagnostics: Employment. Kuter:Quest Diagnostics: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Alteration of Circulating Regulatory T Cells in Japanese Adult Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura after Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3410-3410
Author(s):  
Koji Miyazaki ◽  
Mikio Danbara ◽  
Manabu Ohsaka ◽  
Yuhko Suzuki ◽  
Ryouichi Horie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Eradication Therapy ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Japanese Adult ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Counts

Abstract Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder, and eradication of Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been demonstrated to be an effective and tolerable firstline treatment for the patients infected with HP in Japan. However the mechanism has still remained to be uncovered. Recently CD4+CD25high+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), which regulate autoreactive T cells, have been identified, and suggested to play an important role in pathogenesis of ITP, as well as other autoimmune disorders. It has been shown that Tregs are reduced and suppressed in the ITP patients. And a recent report has demonstrated that the defective Tregs are restored upon the rituximab treatment. However, the effects of HP eradication therapy on Tregs have not been determined. The aim of this study is to investigate the circulating Tregs in ITP patients treated with HP eradication. And we also attempted to elucidate the mechanisms of the treatment. The peripheral blood CD4+CD25high+ Tregs were measured by flow cytometry before and after the treatment in 21 Japanese adults with HP-positive chronic ITP. We also confirmed the expression of Foxp3 in this cellular population with the permeabilized mononuclear cells. Among 21 patients, the platelet counts increased in 13 cases (responders), but not in 9 cases (non-responders). In responders the numbers of Tregs have been restored, but not in non-responders after the treatment. It is interesting here that the amounts of Tregs were still transiently elevated in an early phase (2–3weeks) after the treatment in some non-responders without recovery of the platelet counts. Furthermore, in three cases, who failed in pylorus elimination, Tregs were also transiently increased in number associated with brief recovery of the platelet counts, and reduced to the initial level in about two months. After the successful re-eradication, the numbers of Tregs and platelets have been restored. From these results it is shown that HP eradication can modulate Tregs to increase the platelet counts for ITP patients. We also demonstrate that the increase of Tregs by HP eradication was more rapid than that by rituximab, which required about three months. Further, it might be suggested that there are two phases of the therapy with HP eradication for ITP. In an initial stage, the therapy itself could have an effect modulating the immune systems to potentiate Tregs. Some drugs, such as macrolide antibiotics including clarithromycin have been demonstrated to be a potent immunomodulator. However, this phase is not sufficient for the successful treatment, as shown in the cases of failure in HP elimination. In a retentive stage, extermination of HP is also necessary for sustainment of restored Tregs.

Short Term Treatment With Thrombopoietin-Receptor Agonists For Patients With Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) Before Splenectomy

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1086-1086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosef Kalish ◽  
Galia Spectre ◽  
David Varon
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists ◽  
Receptor Agonists ◽  
Short Course ◽  
Thrombopoietin Receptor

Abstract The thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (romiplostim and eltrombopag) were approved recently as treatments for patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Splenectomy remains a common second line treatment for ITP with the highest remission rate compared with alternative therapies. It has been reported that splenectomy can be safely performed in patients with a platelet count of 40-50,000 per cubic millimeter but many patients do not reach these values. Intravenous immune globulins (IVIG) are often used before splenectomy in order to increase the platelet count before surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether a short course of thrombopoietin-receptor agonists can be used as a reliable and safe treatment to increase the platelet count in patients with ITP before splenectomy. Between 2010 and 2012, fifteen patients with ITP, all refractory to steroids, were scheduled for splenectomy. Treatment with thrombopoietin-receptor agonists (romiplostim or eltrombopag) was started 3 weeks before splenectomy. Eight patients received eltrombopag at a dose of 50 mg/day orally until 3 days before splenectomy. For romiplostim, a subcutaneous injection of 3 mcg/kg was given weekly to 7 patients. The last injection was given one week before splenectomy. Complete blood count was repeated every week and the dose of romiplostim was adjusted (up to 10 mcg/kg or down to 1 mcg/kg) based on the platelet count increment. Response was defined as a platelet count of 50,000 or more per cubic millimeter. Mean platelet count before treatment was 11,000±8,000 cells per cubic millimeter. All patients, except one patient on romiplostim, responded to the treatment with a mean platelet count of 74± 25 cells per cubic millimeter on the day of splenectomy (p<0.01). Similar effect was noticed among responders of the two drugs. Four patients from the romiplostim group responded to a 3 mcg/kg dose. Two patients responded to increased doses of 7 and 10 and 10 mcg/kg. One patient did not respond to 10 mcg/kg of romiplostim but later responded to IVIG. The two drugs were well tolerated with no side effects except for mild liver function abnormalities in one patient in the eltrombopag group. No thromboembolic complications or excessive bleeding were reported for these patients. In summary, we report that a short course of thrombopoietin-receptors agonists can effectively and safely increase the platelet count in steroid resistant ITP patients before splenectomy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Rituximab efficacy and safety in adult splenectomy candidates with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura: results of a prospective multicenter phase 2 study

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 999-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertrand Godeau ◽  
Raphael Porcher ◽  
Olivier Fain ◽  
François Lefrère ◽  
Pierre Fenaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Chronic Itp ◽  
Phase 2 Trial ◽  
Phase 2 Study

Abstract Whether rituximab could effectively and safely avoid splenectomy for adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) remains unresolved. A multicenter, prospective, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 trial was conducted to assess rituximab safety and efficacy in adult splenectomy candidates with chronic ITP. Sixty patients with chronic (≥ 6 months) ITP and platelet counts less than 30 × 109/L received a weekly intravenous infusion of rituximab (375 mg/m2) for 4 weeks. All other ITP treatments were stopped. A good response was defined as a platelet count 50 × 109/L or more, with at least a doubling of the initial value at 1 and 2 years after the first rituximab infusion. Patients who required another treatment during follow up were considered nonresponders. Sixteen patients experienced transient side effects that necessitated treatment discontinuation for only 1. Good 1-year responses were obtained in 40% of the patients (24/60 [95% confidence interval: 28%-52%]). At 2 years, 33.3% (20/60 patients) had good responses and 6.7% (4/60) had sustained platelet counts of 30 × 109/L or more without treatment. Thirty-six (60%) patients failed to respond; 25 underwent splenectomy. Based on these results, rituximab was an apparently safe and effective splenectomy-avoiding option in some adults with chronic ITP. This trial is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00225875.

scholarly journals Defective Functional Activity of Platelets in Children with Severe Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia and Its Correction By Romiplostim Treatment

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 1466-1466
Author(s):  
Irina Demina ◽  
Elena Suntsova ◽  
Alexey Maschan ◽  
Michael Maschan ◽  
Galina Novichkova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Functional Activity ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Chronic Itp ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Granule Release

Abstract BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by antibody-mediated platelet destruction, which together with suboptimal platelet production lead to thrombocytopenia. Children with low platelet counts due to ITP are at an increased risk of bleeding, which is not always directly correlated to the severity of thrombocytopenia. Relationship of platelet functional activity and bleeding risk in ITP is poorly investigated. There are conflicting reports on whether platelets in adult ITP patients differ from normal ones, and no data for children are available. Information about the thrombopoietin receptor agonists (eltrombopag and romiplostim, which are increasingly used to treat ITP) effect on platelet quality is also scarce. Data for eltrombopag are inconclusive, and no studies for romiplostim are known. OBJECTIVES: To investigate platelet functional activity before and during the romiplostim treatment of ITP in children. METHODS: The study group consisted of patients from 4 to 11 years old (n=8) with chronic ITP; the control group included healthy donors (n=12). All patients initially had low platelet counts (<15*109/L) and did not respond to the first- and second- line therapy. Blood samples were collected before treatment with romiplastim and then monthly until the onset of clinical remission. Platelets in whole blood were either left intact or activated with collagen-related peptide (0.18 mkg/ml) and thrombin receptor activating peptide (12.5 mkM), labelled and analysed by flow cytometry. To characterize platelet functions, we used fluorescencently labeled antibodies against glycoprotein Ib (CD42b), total and active integrin αIIbβ3 (CD61 and PAC-1), and P-selectin (CD62P); dense granule release was assessed using platelet loading with mepacrine, and procoagulant activity was determined with a phosphatidylserine marker annexin V. RESULTS: All investigated parameters of platelet function in children with severe chronic ITP before treatment were greatly impaired. CD42b and CD61 were up to several-fold lower the normal values, while phosphatidylserine exposure, dense granule release and integrin activation upon activation were decreased by at least an order of magnitude. Romiplostim treatment improved platelet parameters, although not always to the normal level. Five patients out of eight responded partially or completely to the romiplostim therapy. The clinical response (relief of hemorrhagic manifestations) correlated well with improvement of the functional state of platelets, in one case, even without significant platelet count increase. CONCLUSIONS. Our data suggest essential revision of the pathophysiology of severe chronic ITP in children: their platelets are not only small in their number, but also appear to have severe defects of all major functions. The mechanism of action of romiplostim in these patients might also be in some need of revision, as it seems to greatly improve not only quantity, but also quality of platelets. Our data demonstrate the important role of monitoring platelet functional activity in addition to platelet count. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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