Age old dapsone in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura--a case report with review.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by premature platelet destruction in the reticuloendothelial system due to the presence of autoantibodies against the platelet membrane proteins. Patients who are resistant to the traditional treatment options that include the administration of steroids, IV immunoglobulin, and antirhesus D immunoglobulin and the performance of a splenectomy are diagnosed to have refractory chronic ITP. Management options in these patients are not well defined. Long-term steroids, rituximab, danazol, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide have variable efficacy and at the same time carry significant side effects. We present the case of a patient treated effectively with dapsone, a drug that is much safer than other drugs and which can be used before resorting to splenectomy; we also include a review of the literature establishing its role in the management of ITP.