Interim evaluation of two cooperative studies assessing the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v. IgG) on childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): I. Randomized study comparing i.v. IgG with oral corticosteroids in previously untreated acute ITP. II. Prospective study of i.v. IgG in acute and chronic ITP unresponsive to previous treatment.

Since in a pilot study i.v. IgG was shown to induce a rapid rise of thrombocytes in children with ITP two prospective multicenter ITP studies were started: one comparing i.v. IgG with oral corticosteroids in previously untreated acute ITP, the other investigating the response to i.v. IgG in pretreated acute or chronic ITP in childhood. In this report preliminary results of both studies are summarized. i.v. IgG treatment of acute and chronic ITP is at least as effective as corticosteroid therapy but is not associated with significant side effects. At least some patients with chronic ITP may benefit from i.v. IgG. Longer observation periods are required for further analysis.