OBJECTIVE: To analyze the responses of pediatric patients with newly-diagnosed acute primary idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to two distinct corticosteroids. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 259 patients with acute ITP diagnosed between 2004 and 2008. Specifically, we compared response rates and adverse effects in patients treated with methylprednisolone or dexamethasone. RESULTS: Corticosteroids were used as the first-line treatment in all patients with an initial response rate of 96.5%. Choice of the intravenous corticosteroid for treatment did not affect the outcome of patients. The time platelet count maintained at a normal level showed no statistical difference between patients administered with methylprednisolone or dexamethasone. Only minor adverse effects were observed in both groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both corticosteroids yielded similarly high response rates and minor adverse effects in ITP patients. This should be taken into account when choosing the treatment regimen for children with acute ITP.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the responses of pediatric patients with newly-diagnosed acute primary idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to two distinct corticosteroids. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 259 patients with acute ITP diagnosed between 2004 and 2008. Specifically, we compared response rates and adverse effects in patients treated with methylprednisolone or dexamethasone. RESULTS: Corticosteroids were used as the first-line treatment in all patients with an initial response rate of 96.5%. Choice of the intravenous corticosteroid for treatment did not affect the outcome of patients. The time platelet count maintained at a normal level showed no statistical difference between patients administered with methylprednisolone or dexamethasone. Only minor adverse effects were observed in both groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both corticosteroids yielded similarly high response rates and minor adverse effects in ITP patients. This should be taken into account when choosing the treatment regimen for children with acute ITP.
Authors: Drew Provan; Donald M Arnold; James B Bussel; Beng H Chong; Nichola Cooper; Terry Gernsheimer; Waleed Ghanima; Bertrand Godeau; Tomás José González-López; John Grainger; Ming Hou; Caroline Kruse; Vickie McDonald; Marc Michel; Adrian C Newland; Sue Pavord; Francesco Rodeghiero; Marie Scully; Yoshiaki Tomiyama; Raymond S Wong; Francesco Zaja; David J Kuter Journal: Blood Adv Date: 2019-11-26