Combination chemotherapy in refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Article Abstract:
Combination chemotherapy may be an effective treatment for patients with refractory thrombocytopenic purpura. Thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disorder caused by low blood levels of platelets. Ten patients with refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura were treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide and prednisone combined with either vincristine, vincristine and procarbazine or etoposide. Six patients experienced a complete response to treatment, and four had a response that lasted more than 11 months. Two patients experienced a partial response to treatment, and two patients did not respond to treatment. Blood levels of an autoantibody that attacks blood platelets dropped significantly in patients who experienced a complete response to treatment. All the patients had previously undergone several unsuccessful treatments.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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Therapy for adults with refractory chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Article Abstract:
Systematic strategies for treating patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are presented. ITP is an autoimmune disease that destroys blood platelets. Most patients with ITP respond well to corticosteroid treatment or removal of the spleen. If one treatment fails, increasingly aggressive chemotherapy treatments may be tried. Patients with higher platelet counts may not require any treatment. Pregnant women, fetuses, newborns, or patients with bleeding within the central nervous system or severe localized bleeding may require specialized treatment strategies.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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Is refractory epilepsy due to genetically determined resistance to antiepileptic drugs?
Article Abstract:
Research has shown that people with epilepsy who do not get better with drug treatment may have a gene variation that causes drug resistance. These genes produce proteins that pump drugs and other substances out of cells. This may be part of the blood-brain barrier that protects the brain.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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