Successful treatment of acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura refractory to corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin with antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporin

Abstract

Four patients with acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura, who had failed corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclophosphamide therapy, were treated with antithymocyte globulin, followed by cyclosporin. Three patients achieved complete remission in 28-178 days and the response duration was 16-60 months from the beginning of treatment. One patient achieved a partial response for 2 months followed by myelodysplastic syndrome 5 months later. He died in 9 months due to intracerebral bleeding. Marrow cytogenetics showed 47, XY, +21.