Chronic Immunologic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Results of Cyclophosphamide Therapy Before Splenectomy

Abstract

Corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and splenectomy were employed in the treatment of 43 patients with immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura. All received corticosteroids initially; 22 patients received corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and six received drug treatment and underwent splenectomy. Of those receiving corticosteroids alone, 11 had excellent responses and ten had good responses. Of those receiving corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, responses to treatment were excellent in six, good in eight, and fair in two. Of those receiving drug treatment and undergoing splenectomy, the responses to treatment were excellent in four, good in one, and fair in one. The duration required for induction of remission indicated the prognosis for patients; excellent responses were observed at 1, 2.4, and 4 months in groups treated, respectively, with corticosteroids, corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and drugs plus splenectomy. © 1980 American Medical Association All rights reserved.