Abstract
Macrolides have immuno-modulatory effects as well as anti-bacterial effects. We successfully treated three idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients with clarithromycin (CAM). Case 1: A 69-year-old male ITP patient was treated with CAM at a dose of 400 mg/day. His platelet count increased from 5.6×104/μl to 10.1×104/μl. Case 2: A 72-year-old male ITP patient was treated with CAM at the same dose. The platelet count increased from 1.3×104/μl to 12.3×104/μl. Case 3: A 68-year-old female ITP patient was treated with CAM at the same dose. The platelet count increased from 2.3×104/μl to 13×104/μl. These facts suggest that CAM is useful in the treatment of ITP.
