A case of refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with rituximab

Suk-Min Seo,; Chang-Hoon Lim,; Son-Ook Choi,; Hee-Je Kim,; Jong-Wook Lee,; Woo-Sung Min,; Chun-Choo Kim,

Korean J Med > Volume 69(3); 2005 > Article

Original Article

The Korean Journal of Medicine 2005;69(3):934-938.

A case of refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with rituximab

Suk-Min Seo, Chang-Hoon Lim, Son-Ook Choi, Hee-Je Kim, Jong-Wook Lee, Woo-Sung Min, Chun-Choo Kim

한림의대 한강성심병원 내과

증례 : Rituximab으로 치료한 불응성 특발성혈소판감소성자반증 1예

서석민&#;임창훈&#;최선욱&#;김희제, &#;이종욱, &#;민우성, &#;김춘추, Jong-Wook Lee, Woo-Sung Min, Chun-Choo Kim

Abstract

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an immune disorder in which platelets are opsonized by autoantibodies and prematurely destroyed by the reticuloendothelial system. Among adult patients, approximately 25～30% develop a chronic disease that will become refractory to corticosteroids and splenectomy, as well as other available agents. Rituximab is a human-murine chimeric monoclonal antibody specific for the CD20 antigen, found on the surface of B lymphocytes. It acts via complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and induction of apoptosis. We report a case of 32-year-old female with severe, refractory ITP, who presented with generalized petechiae, intractable vaginal bleeding, and pulmonary hemorrhage. After multiple conventional therapeutic trials, the patient was finally placed on weekly infusion of rituximab that resulted in a favorable response.(Korean J Med 69:S934-S938, 2005)

Key Words: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Rituximab, Refractory