Scientists at Cornell University, Department of Pediatric Hematology target thrombocytopenic purpura therapy
2009 JUL 13 - (NewsRx.com) -- Scientists discuss in 'Cytomegalovirus can make immune thrombocytopenic purpura refractory' new findings in thrombocytopenic purpura. According to a study from the United States, "Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by decreased platelet numbers secondary to platelet destruction and reduced platelet production. Even if the ITP persists, it typically responds to 'ITP-specific' therapies, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, intravenous anti-D, and splenectomy." "Several reports, including our previous study, have implicated cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the pathogenesis of infrequent cases of ITP that were not severe in nature. A recent study from China suggested that CMV is the aetiology of some cases of acute ITP of childhood and may require different treatment. We report two adult and two paediatric patients with refractory, severe, symptomatic thrombocytopenia, who were diagnosed with ITP and found to have active CMV infection. Their presentations included fever, transaminitis, neutropenia, and atypical lymphocytosis, but in particular, treatment-refractory, severe ITP. Treatment with steroids appeared to worsen the CMV-ITP. All four cases showed improvement in platelet counts within two weeks of starting ganciclovir and cytogam and tapering steroids. Based on the four patients described here, we believe that, in certain cases, CMV infection will result in symptomatic, severe, refractory ITP, which may be indistinguishable from typical ITP," wrote D. DiMaggio and colleagues, Cornell University, Department of Pediatric Hematology. The researchers concluded: "Eradication of CMV with antiviral therapy improved the ITP in these cases." DiMaggio and colleagues published the results of their research in British Journal of Haematology (Cytomegalovirus can make immune thrombocytopenic purpura refractory. British Journal of Haematology, 2009;146(1):104-12). For additional information, contact D. DiMaggio, Oncology, Dept. of Pediatric Hematology, Cornell University Weill Medical Center, New York City, NY 10065 USA.. The publisher of the British Journal of Haematology can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing Inc., 350 Main St., Malden, MA 02148, USA. Keywords: United States, New York, Thrombocytopenic Purpura Therapy, CMV, Cytomegalovirus, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Pediatric Hematology, Pediatrics, Splenectomy, Therapy, Thrombocytopenic Purpura, Treatment, Virology. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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