Abstract
Preparations of intact immunoglobulins, one sulfonated (Veniron®) and two polyethyleneglycoltreated (Venoglobulin-I® and Glovenin-I®) were administered intravenously in high doses respectively to 177, 303 and 134 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Regardless of their responsiveness to adrenocorticosteroids, most patients showed a favorable rise of platelet count. The most effective dose was 400 mg/kg daily for 5 consecutive days. In most cases of acute ITP rise in platelet count was maintained, but in most cases of chronic ITP it was transient. A few cases showed mild and transient side-effects.
High-dose immunoglobulin therapy is indicated especially in cases with severe bleeding tendensies, and in patients facing surgery or delivery. Because it is expensive, however, it should be restricted to cases in which adrenocoticosteroid or immunosuppressant therapy produces no platelet elevation.
