Danazol for children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Ten patients with steroid-dependent or refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura were treated with danazol in an attempt to improve their platelet counts. Nine of the ten children exhibited an excellent initial response to the drug, with five achieving a complete, unmaintained remission. Two others were able to have their prednisone doses tapered with a resultant disappearance of steroid-induced adverse effects. No significant adverse effects of danazol were noted. Danazol seems to be effective in the treatment of children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura and would warrant additional studies to determine its proper role in the management of this common pediatric ailment.