Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Twenty-two patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura were treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin infusions using an intact intravenous immunoglobulin preparation and a product designed for intramuscular administration. Seventeen patients (77%) responded favourably (rise in platelet count to 100 X 10(9)/1 or above). Children responded better than the adults, and the acute cases better than the chronic. Splenectomy and the presence of detectable platelet antibody had no effect on the response rate. Both products induced identical responses.