One Year Follow-Up of Children and Adolescents With Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) Treated With Rituximab

Background. We previously showed in a prospective Study that rituximab appears to be effective in some children and adolescents with severe chronic immune thrombocytopenia. Eleven of 36 patients achieved and maintained platelet counts Over 50,000/mm(3) within the first 12 weeks. These patients were followed for the next year. Methods. Platelet Count,; were monitored monthly and all subsequent bleeding manifestations and need for further treatment was noted. Results. Eight of the 11 initial responders maintained a platelet count over 150,000/mm(3) Without further treatment intervention. Three patients had a late relapse. One initial non-responder achieved a remission after 16 weeks, and two additional patients maintained platelet counts around 50,000/mm(3) without the need for further intervention. Conclusions. Rituximab resulted in sustained efficacy with platelet Counts of 50,000/mm(3) or higher in 11 of 36 patients (31%). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:259-262. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.