Recurrence rate in patients with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran: Corticosteroids versus intravenous immunoglobulin

Abstract

Introduction: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is known as the most important cause of sudden drop in platelet count among children. The acute form of unexpected drop in platelet count in children calls for treatment with medications such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and Rho(D) immunoglobulin (anti-DIG). Most of the previous studies have accordingly compared short-term therapeutic outcomes of steroids with those of IVIg. In some cases, IVIg has led to better results. However, there are few studies on the long-term treatment effects of both medicine categories. Objectives: This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and recurrence rate (RR) of corticosteroids, IVIg, or both in the long-term to find the best and most effective treatment for these patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 188 children diagnosed with acute ITP were admitted to the hematology departments of Shafa and Baghaei hospitals of Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran. The therapeutic consequences and RRs of corticosteroids, IVIg, or both were compared within one year. Results: Comparing treatments employing corticosteroids and IVIg in children having acute ITP in terms of the long-term treatment outcomes showed no statistically significant difference. In addition, the findings revealed that 34% of the patients had experienced recurrence within one year with no remarkable difference between both drug groups. Conclusion: The long-term therapeutic outcomes in both medicine categories were not significantly different. Therefore, given the world’s current economic conditions and inadequate supply of all medicines, it seems more rational to use the least expensive drugs.