Intravenous immunoglobulin or high-dose methylprednisolone, with or without oral prednisone, for adults with untreated severe autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: a randomised, multicentre trial

Treatment of adults with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) is based more on individual experience than on results of controlled studies. Compared intravenous immunoglobulin with high-dose methylprednisolone in untreated adults with severe AITP and assessed efficacy of subsequent oral steroids compared with placebo. Found that intravenous immunoglobulin and oral prednisone seems to be more effective than high-dose methylprednisolone and oral prednisone in adults with severe AITP, although the latter treatment is effective and well tolerated. (Original abstract - amended)