Rituximab Therapy for Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

Aim of the study: to evaluate the long term response to rituximab in patients with chronic and refractory immune thrombocytopenia purpura (TIP) after failure of conventional therapy, and study response to retreatment with rituximab. Material and methods: 41 patients with chronic or refractory ITP were registered in hematology department in Tripoli medical center /Libya treated with rituximab. Patients received 375mg/m2 of rituximab weekly for 4 weeks. Response was defined as platelets increase to more than 50x109/l. Results: 41 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 42 years. 32/41(78%) were female and 9/41(22%) were males. Mean platelets count before rituximab was 26x109/l , mean platelets count after rituximab treatment 115x109/L.( 46.5%) of patients had complete response , (12%) had partial response and (41.5 %) had no response. 5 patients of previously responder had received repeated dose of rituximab,3/5(60%) showed complete response and 2/5 (40%) has no response . Rituximab was well tolerated and show relatively short term toxicity. Conclusion: rituximab is a long term safe and effective alternative treatment for chronic ITP patients. Repeated dose can be used in previously responding patients.