Therapy of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults: experiences from Thailand.

Results of different types of treatment in 416 adults with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were analyzed. Of 368 patients treated with corticosteroids, 278 (77%) achieved complete response (CR ie, normalization of platelet count). However, only 18% of patients had continued complete response (CCR). Results of splenectomy was analyzed in 126 patients, 49% of them achieved CCR and 76% of them had beneficial effects from the operation. Emergency splenectomy was a life saving procedure in 8 of 11 patients with life-threatening hemorrhage. Vinca alkaloids gave a 50% transient CR. Immunosuppressive agents (cyclophosphamide, azathioprine) resulted in only 11% CCR.