Danazol in non-splenectomized patients with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Seven non-splenectomized patients with chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura were treated with danazol 800 mg daily. All were glucocorticoid failures and four were refractory to all additional previous therapy. Five patients benefited from danazol and in two sustained normal platelet counts, for over 44 and 51 months, were observed. We conclude that danazol is useful for long term management of otherwise refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. The advantage of danazol over splenectomy as a first line treatment in steroid failure is suggested.