ANTI-RH IMMUNOGLOBULIN THERAPY FOR HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS-RELATED IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

  • 1 May 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 71  (5) , 1499-1502
Abstract
The potential hazards of steroids in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients led us to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of anti-D and anti-c Ig in 17 adults with severe HIV-related immune thrombocytopenic purpura (platelet count < 20 .times. 109/L). The 14 Rh+ patients received 12 to 25 .mu.g/kg of anti-D IgG intravenously on two consecutive days. A significant platelet rise above 50 .times. 10:9/L was obtained in nine patients. Repeated boosters were performed in six cases and were effective in all cases. The 3 Rh- patients had a good response after they were given 20 mL .times. 2 of plasma containing potent anti-c antibodies. Therapy was well tolerated, and only one patient had significant hemolysis. These data suggest that anti-Rh IgG can be effective and safe in HIV-related thrombocytopenic purpura and that a specific interaction between the RBC antigens and the anti-Rh antibodies is required.