Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura complicating chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Three patients had severe, symptomatic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) complicating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that was refractory to prednisone treatment but that responded to splenectomy alone or in addition to immunosuppressive-cytotoxic treatment. Evidence of high titer of an antiplatelet factor, most likely an antibody, was corroborated in one case by the 14C-platelet serotonin release assay. This experience suggests that the treatment of ITP complicating CLL is similar to that of ITP not associated with lymphoproliferative disorders.