TREATMENT OF SEVERE APLASTIC-ANEMIA WITH ANTI-LYMPHOCYTE GLOBULIN AND ANDROGENS

Google Scholar
  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 6  (8) , 679-687
Abstract
The etiology of aplastic anemia is unknown. A stem cell lesion caused by a toxin, virus or microenvironment defect is the main hypothesis. An autoimmune origin was recently suspected. In an attempt to demonstrate the autoimmune origin of the disease, 17 patients with severe aplastic anemia were treated with antilymphocyte globulin (ALG). Nine patients showed no improvement, developed infectious or hemorrhagic complications and died within 1-7 months. Eight patients had a prompt rise of granulocyte and reticulocyte counts. Although the hematological reconstitution is not complete, these 8 patients were still alive between 11 mo. and 24 mo. after treatment. ALG may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia.