High-dose IgG for post-transfusion purpura-revisited

Blut. 1988 Oct;57(4):163-7. doi: 10.1007/BF00319544.

Abstract

Therapy for post-transfusion purpura (PTP) is controversial. We have evaluated the effect of high-dose IgG (HDIgG) in 11 PTP cases investigated in our institution and summarized the clinical data of 8 additional cases reported in the literature. Two of these 19 cases had to be eliminated from the analysis (1 patient received a total dose of less than 30 g of IgG; 1 patient died 2 days after starting HDIgG therapy from congestive heart failure). Out of a total of 17 cases, 16 had good or excellent response reaching normal platelet values within few days; only one failure was observed. Five patients relapsed, but attained complete remission after a second course (dose) of IgG. Total doses per course ranged between 52 and 180 g of IgG. Five different IgG preparations were used and seemed similarly effective. No adverse reactions were observed. We conclude that HDIgG is the treatment of choice for PTP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / administration & dosage*
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Transfusion
  • Purpura / drug therapy
  • Purpura / etiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Transfusion Reaction*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous