Low-dose vincristine in the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in non-splenectomized patients

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Abstract
Eight non-splenectomized patients with corticosteroid-refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were treated with low-dose vincristine (1 mg/week up to a total dose of 4 mg). Complete remission was achieved in 2 cases and partial remission in 3. Bleeding stopped in one patient who failed to remit. No statistical relationship was found between the response to vincristine and the duration of the disease or the corticosteroid-therapy. Side effects were only observed in one patient. By comparing these results with those reported in the literature, it can be inferred that low-dose vincristine may be useful in the management of corticosteroid-refractory ITP.