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Dapsone for chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: a report of 66 cases
B Godeau1, J M Durand, F Roudot-Thoraval
1Laboratoire d'Immunologie Leuco-plaquettaire, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
Insights
Dapsone effectively treats chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) in adults. This inexpensive medication offers a well-tolerated treatment option, with most patients responding and maintaining platelet counts.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts.
- Current treatments for AITP can have significant side effects or limited efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of dapsone in adult patients with chronic AITP.
- To determine the optimal dosage and duration of dapsone treatment for AITP.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-six adult patients with chronic AITP and platelet counts below 50 x 10(9)/l were enrolled.
- Patients received oral dapsone at dosages ranging from 75-100 mg daily.
- Treatment response, platelet counts, duration of treatment, and side effects were monitored.
Main Results:
- A response, defined by an increase in platelet count, was observed in 33 out of 66 patients (50%).
- The median time to achieve a response was 21 days, with a median maximal platelet count of 130 x 10(9)/l.
- Dapsone was generally well-tolerated, with reversible side effects leading to treatment cessation in only seven patients.
Conclusions:
- Dapsone is an effective, inexpensive, and well-tolerated treatment for chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.
- The drug demonstrates a favorable safety profile, making it a viable therapeutic option for AITP management.
Abstract:
Sixty-six adults with chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura AITP and platelet count <50 x 10(9)/l were treated with dapsone (75-100 mg orally). A response was observed in 33 patients. The median duration of treatment required to obtain a response was 21 d (range 8-90). The median maximal platelet count on treatment was 130 x 10(9)/l (range 71-355). Dapsone was continued in 20/33 responders for a median of 12.5 months (range 1-48) and the response persisted in 19. Treatment was intentionally withdrawn in the other 13 responders and thrombocytopenia immediately recurred in 12. Reversible side-effects required cessation of treatment in seven patients. These results demonstrate that dapsone is an effective, inexpensive, and well-tolerated treatment for chronic AITP.