THE ROLE OF HIGH-DOSE INTRAVENOUS METHYLPREDNISOLONE IN THE TREATMENTOF VARICELLA ASSOCIATED THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

Two children with varicella associated thrombocytopenia are presented. Case 1, evidencing no mucosal or parenchymal bleeding was administere d prednisone 2 mg/kg/day therapy after having been put under observati on for a period of one week without medical treatment. There was an in crease in the platelet count during the period of therapy culminating in a return to normal on the eighth day.Case 2, who was in poor clinic al condition at presentation, was treated with high-dose intravenous m ethylprednisolone (HIVMP) 30 mg/kg/day, resulting in the platelet coun t returning to a normal level (180,000/mm3) on the second day of thera py. HIVMP therapy is recommended in the treatment of life-threatening cases of thrombocytopenia because of its rapid action, limited side-ef fects, and its low cost.