Dapsone therapy for children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Dapsone has been shown to be effective in treating adults with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). This retrospective review describes the authors' experience using dapsone in children with refractory, symptomatic ITP. Seven children were treated with dapsone. Dapsone was discontinued in two patients because of methemoglobinemia. In the remaining five patients, three achieved platelet counts of more than 100 x 10(3)/microL. Discontinuation resulted in a rapid decline in platelet counts in all three patients. Two of the three responded to a second round of treatment. Additional study of dapsone in children is warranted. Children receiving dapsone should be monitored for methemoglobinemia.