Randomized trial comparing intravenous immunoglobulin with methylprednisolone pulse therapy in acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Forty-three children with newly diagnosed idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), platelet count (PC) below 20 × 10⁹ 1⁻¹, and either continued bleeding or failure to show a spontaneous rise in the PC after a 3 day observation period were randomized to treatment with either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions I gkg⁻¹ (n = 23) or intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT) 30mgkg¹ (n = 20) on two consecutive days. After 72h, IVIG had induced greater platelet responses (mean PC 188 × 10⁹ versus 77 × 10⁹1⁻¹ 2p < 0.001) and raised the PC to a haemostatically safe level above 50 × 10⁹1⁻¹ more frequently (91 versus 50%, one-sided e×act p = 0.003). Children responding poorly were then given the alternative treatment in addition. After 6 days, a normal PC of over 150 × 10⁹1⁻¹ had been obtained more frequently in the group given first-line IVIG (70 versus 50%, p = 0.16). The relapse rates during 6 months of follow-up were not significantly different (26 versus 40%, p = 0.26). Cross-over treatment in 11 children with relapse confirmed the superior response to IVIG. The treatment given was restricted to the two initial infusions more often in the IVIG group (70 versus 35%, p = 0.05). These results indicate that IVIG may be preferable to MPPT as the initial treatment for ITP.     

Use of intravenous methylprednisolone in acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Twenty newly diagnosed children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with a platelet count (PC) of less than 20,000 were treated with intravenous methyl prednisolone (IVMP) 5 mg/kg/day in four divided doses until the platelet count increased to 50,000/mm3. They were then placed on oral prednisone at conventional doses for a total of three weeks of steroid therapy. The platelet counts increased by an average of 55,000/mm3 within 48 h of treatment. Within 72 h (day 3) of treatment all patients achieved a PC of greater than 20,000/mm3. By day 5, all 20 patients achieved a PC of greater than 50,000. IVMP is highly effective in rapidly raising the PC in acute ITP above the critical level of 20,000, thereby reducing the duration of risk for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).     

Randomized trial of high-dose methylprednisolone versus intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired disorder characterized by immune-mediated platelet destruction. The authors performed a prospective, randomized trial comparing intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone in the treatment of children with acute ITP. The primary aim of the study was to compare the rate of platelet increase produced by either intervention. A decision to treat was based on the clinical presentation and not an arbitrary platelet count. In general, enrolled patients exhibited extensive bruising and platelet counts less than 10 x 10 /L (10,000/microL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven consecutive patients, for whom the attending hematologist determined acute treatment was warranted, were studied. Forty-two patients received IVIG (1 g/kg/dose x2) and 35 received methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/dose x3). Patients who exhibited an increase in platelet count of more than 50,000/microL after the first IVIG dose or the second methylprednisolone dose did not receive the second IVIG dose or the third methylprednisolone dose, respectively. Patients' ages ranged from 6 months to 15 years. Platelet counts were evaluated at presentation, 24, 48, 72 hours, 1 week, and 2 to 4 weeks. RESULTS: Eighty percent of patients treated with IVIG and 60% of patients treated with methylprednisolone demonstrated an increase in platelet count of 50,000/microL or more within 48 hours. Both IVIG and methylprednisolone therapy increased platelet counts significantly above pretreatment values. In the methylprednisolone group, the mean baseline platelet count was 4,600/microL, which rose to 14,000/microL after 24 hours, 38,000/microL after 48 hours, and 65,000/microL after 72 hours. The IVIG group had a mean baseline platelet count of 4,200/microL, which rose to 32,000/microL after 24 hours, 69,000/microL after 48 hours, and 146,000/microL after 72 hours. When compared with methylprednisolone, IVIG therapy produced a greater rise in platelet counts at 24, 48, and 72 hours, with no difference at 1 week or later time points. No serious bleeding was noted in either treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Both IVIG and methylprednisolone produce a significant early rise in platelet count that is somewhat greater with IVIG. However, the higher platelet counts produced by IVIG may not justify the additional cost and potential risks of this agent.     

儿童特发性血小板减少性紫癜小巨核细胞的研究

目的 探讨巨核细胞生长发育、小巨核细胞的出现在儿童特发性血小板减少性紫癜(idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura,ITP)中的意义。方法 对46例儿童ITP进行常规骨髓形态学、骨髓涂片CD41免疫酶标染色检测,并采用ELISA方法检测血小板相关抗体的含量。并分为急性ITP(acute ITP,AITP)组和慢性ITP(chronic：ITP,CITP)组进行统计学分析。结果 46例中36例为AITP,1O例为CITP;45例骨髓巨核细胞计数增高或正常,1例降低者为CITP。小巨核细胞检出率为98％,(45／46),I型淋巴样小巨核细胞检出率为35％(16／46)。CITPI型淋巴样小巨核细胞的检出率及计数高于AITP,其他三型小巨核细胞计数低于AITP,产板巨核细胞比例以及各型小巨核细胞数量与血小板相关抗体的含量无相关性。结论 儿童ITP骨髓巨核细胞系存在不同程度病态造血,其原因可能并非完全由于免疫因素,部分病例可能以骨髓巨核细胞自身异常为主。I型淋巴样小巨核细朐的出现以及数量的高低可存一定程度上提示ITP病程的长短和预后。     

Treatment of acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura of childhood with intravenous immunoglobulin G: comparative efficacy of 7S and 5S preparations

A prospective randomized study comparing 7S immunoglobulin G to a 5S IgG preparation for therapy of acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was conducted. The 5S preparation differed from the 7S preparation in that it lacked part of the Fc portion of the IgG molecule. Both groups were given 400 mg IgG/kg body weight over 5 days. All patients had platelet counts less than or equal to 30 X 10(9)/L before IgG infusion. Nine of the 10 patients in the 7S treatment group, compared with three of 10 patients in the 5S treatment group, responded to therapy with an increment in platelet counts greater than 100 X 10(9)/L within 4 days of completing the infusion treatment. Furthermore, the rate of increase of the platelets was more rapid in the 7S group. The results emphasize the efficacy of partial Fc for management of acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.     

个体化剂量丙种球蛋白联合地塞米松治疗儿童重症特发性血小板减少性紫癜78例疗效观察

目的观察个体化剂量静脉注射用丙种球蛋白(IVIG)联合地塞米松治疗儿童特发性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)的疗效。方法重症ITP患儿入院后均给地塞米松及IVIG[400 mg/(kg.d)],3 d后测外周血血小板计数,≥100×109/L停用IVIG,继用地塞米松;若<100×109/L,再继续用原剂量IVIG 2 d。结果治疗3 d后,78例患儿中,37例外周血血小板计数升至100×109/L以上,余41例继续治疗后,31例升至100×109/L以上。结论个体化剂量IVIG联合地塞米松是治疗儿童重症ITP的有效办法,可节省一定医疗费用。     

In vitro megakaryocytopoiesis in children with acute idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) of childhood is a disorder characterized by a history of previous viral illness followed by acute onset of low circulating platelet count with present or increased megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. The majority of children recover a normal platelet count within 6 months to 1 year after onset of the disease. To better understand the regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis in this disorder, we studied nine patients with childhood ITP with the plasma clot colony assay in vitro for megakaryocyte colony forming units (CFU-Mk). Mononuclear bone marrow cells from some of the patients with ITP contained greater numbers of CFU-Mk and greater numbers of cells per colony than mononuclear bone marrow cells from healthy adult volunteers (p less than 0.026) when the cultures contained no added megakaryocyte colony-stimulating activity (Mk-CSA). The serum from patients with ITP did not stimulate in vitro megakaryocytopoiesis from healthy adult volunteers' bone marrow mononuclear cells above baseline values. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a decrease in bone marrow megakaryocytes is needed for Mk-CSA production. Alternatively, Mk-CSA is consumed by active megakaryocytopoiesis in the bone marrow.     

丙种球蛋白 强的松联合治疗急性特发性血小板减少性紫癜近期疗效观察

目的 探讨丙种球蛋白、强的松联合治疗血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)的近期疗效。方法 观察组采用蓉生静丙,剂量每日400 mg/kg,连用5 d,后续用强的松治疗4周;对照组单用强的松4～6周。结果 观察组血小板达高峰时间为1～2周,峰值约180×109/L,总有效率为86.7%;对照组上述数值分别为4周,116×109/L和40%(P<0.05)。结论 丙种球蛋白、强的松联合治疗ITP明显优于单用强的松组。     

不同剂量人血丙种球蛋白治疗小儿特发性血小板减少性紫癜疗效观察

本组应用不同剂量人血雨种球蛋白治疗小儿特发性血小板减少性紫癜22例，其中肌注丙球每日320mg，连用5日10例，静脉输注低pH静脉注射人血丙球每日400mg／kg，连用5日8例；每日输注1g／kg1次4例。以T检验方法计算观察。3组治疗后血小板计数分别为127.5±53．71×109／L,206．5±144．84×109／L，238．25±110．27±109／L，3组治疗后血小板数比较无统计学差异，即3组治疗特发性血小板减少性紫癜都有效。     

Clinical course of children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura treated with intravenous immunoglobulin G or megadose methylprednisolone or observed without therapy

The authors compared the prognosis in 50 children with acute immune thrombocytopenicpurpura (ITP) who received intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG), megadose methylprednisolone (MDMP), or no therapy. Twenty-six children were observed with no therapy, 12 children received IVIG, and 12 children received MDMP. The percentage of the patients whose platelet counts increased at a level of > 20 x 10(9)/L and > 50 x 10(9)/L at 3 days after starting therapy was significantly higher in both IVIG and MDMP groups than in the no therapy group (p < .01), but there was no significant difference at 10 and 30 days after initiation between the 3 groups (p > .05 in each comparison). This result suggested that therapy does not increase the rate of recovery but shortens the duration of thrombocytopenia in the first days. Management derision in ITP is made on clinical condition rather than on platelet count and no treatment options is to be preferred even in the face of mucosal bleeding. If the patient has extensive bleeding and the decision is to treat, both IVIG and MDMP are equally effective in providing a safe platelet level early on.     

抗-D免疫球蛋白与大剂量静脉丙种球蛋白治疗儿童急性特发性血小板减少性紫癜的meta分析

目的比较静脉注射抗-D免疫球蛋白（anti-D immunoglobulin,anti-D）与大剂量静脉注射免疫球蛋白（IVIG）治疗儿童急性特发性血小板减少性紫癜（ITP）的有效性及安全性。方法计算机检索PubMed、Embase和Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials。手工查阅计算机检索到的文献的参考文献目录。选取治疗72 h后血小板计数>20×109/L的百分率和血红蛋白下降值作为主要测量指标。采用RevMan 5.1对纳入文献进行meta分析。结果共检索到相关文献771篇,有5篇文献符合纳入标准。治疗72 h后anti-D组与IVIG组血小板计数>20×109/L比较差异有统计学意义（RR=0.90,95%CI：0.82～0.98）;亚组分析,anti-D 50μg/kg与IVIG比较,75μg/kg与IVIG比较,差异均无统计学意义（RR=0.98,95%CI：0.84～1.13;RR=0.88,95%CI：0.75～1.03）。anti-D组血红蛋白下降更明显,但患者均不需要输注悬浮红细胞。结论静脉注射anti-D治疗儿童急性ITP的疗效可能与大剂量IVIG相同。患者对anti-D的不良反应耐受性良好。     

Simplified immunoglobulin treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

The recommended dose of intravenous IgG for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura has been 0.4 g/kg on 5 consecutive days. A simplified approach, giving a single infusion of 0.8-1.0 g/kg over 8 hours, has been tried in a series of 11 children with newly diagnosed disease. In 8 cases the infusion produced a prompt platelet response culminating at 128-502 X 10(9)/l after 3-13 days, and 4 of these cases required no further treatment while 2 needed a booster infusion due to an early relapse and 2 followed a chronic course. In 3 cases platelet responses were poor in spite of supplementary doses to a total of 1.4-2.0 g/kg: 2 infants failed to achieve normal platelet counts and 1 case with fulminant bleeding manifestations proved completely resistant. Significant side effects were not observed. These results indicate that IgG-therapy practically may be initiated with a single infusion, the resulting platelet response indicating the need for further infusions.     

High doses of gamma globulin and methylprednisolone therapy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in children

In four children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), high doses of gamma globulin or methylprednisolone were effective in increasing platelet counts transiently, yet there was no quantitative relationship between the platelet responses to these two therapies. This finding suggests a qualitative difference in the mechanisms of increasing platelets by the two drugs. High doses of gamma globulin and methylprednisolone showed a synergistic effect on the initial and maximal platelet responses, suggesting an intensification of the effect of gamma globulin by methylprednisolone. This combination therapy should be clinically useful, particularly in the control of acute haemorrhage or in preparations for emergency surgery.Abbreviation ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Offprint requests to: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, 60, 3-1-1, Maidashi,Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812, Japan