Treatment of chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine

Idiopathic thrombocylopenia purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia with a normal bone marrow and no other causes of thrombocylopenia. Initial therapy consists of corticosteroids, often with IVIG. Most adults have chronic disease and require splenectomy. Together, steroids and splenectomy induce responses in 75% of patients. Patients that have unsafe levels of platelets despite treatment or who require high …