Treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

To the Editor: McMillan's recent review of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) emphasizes the following chief points concerning the use of vincristine in the treatment of this disorder (May 7 issue). 1 First of all, results are better in asplenic patients. Secondly, a complete remission is unusual, and when achieved, it is difficult to maintain. Thirdly, toxic side effects are frequent. We have reported our experience with vincristine for refractory ITP, 2 which differs from the above statements. Eight non-splenectomized patients with corticosteroid-refractory ITP were treated with a low-dose vincristine regimen (1 mg given intravenously per week, up to a total dose . . . No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.