NEUROLOGIC COMPLICATIONS OF TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD ACUTE IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA WITH INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED IMMUNOGLOBULIN-G

We studied the incidence, associated morbidity, and impact on health c are charges of neurologic complications in 38 children with acute immu ne thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) treated with intravenously administe red IgG. Thirteen patients (34%) had transient neurologic complication s, manifested by severe headache, nausea, and, rarely, aseptic meningi tis. Computed tomography was performed in nine patients. Twelve patien ts were hospitalized longer than was required for their ITP alone. Neu rologic complications caused by the IgG preparations used in the treat ment of childhood ITP occur more frequently than has previously been s uggested and may substantially increase the cost of treatment.