Vigam-S, a solvent/detergent-treated intravenous immunoglobulin, in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

The efficacy of Vigam-S, a highly purified intravenous immunoglobulin, was investigated by an open, noncomparative study in 20 adults with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Fifteen patients responded to the initial 3-day infusion of 0.4 g kg(-1) day(-1) by exhibiting an incremental increase in platelet count of >or= 30 x 10(9) L(-1), in eight of whom platelet count normalized (> 150 x 10(9) L(-1)). The peak platelet count for responders on day 4 was 163 x 10(9) L(-1) (baseline = 18 x 10(9) L(-1)). No benefit was derived from an extra 2 days infusion in nonresponders. Further treatment (either a single 0.8 g kg(-1) dose or another 3-day infusion) given to responders when platelet counts fell below 30 x 10(9) L(-1) was effective on eight of 14 occasions. Increases in total serum IgG concentration (to a mean peak of 25.3 g L(-1)) were not correlated with platelet response. There was no evidence of seroconversion to virus markers, or of alteration in renal function, following Vigam-S infusion. Most adverse events were mild and transient; however, three patients had severe headache and vomiting (possible aseptic meningitis syndrome) and one had marked superficial thrombophlebitis. Therefore Vigam-S provides effective and well tolerated therapy in the management of adults with ITP although individual patient response remains difficult to predict.