DAPSONE FOR CHRONIC AUTOIMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA - A REPORT OF66 CASES

Sixty-six adults with chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura AITP and platelet count <50x10(9)/l were treated with dapsone (75-100mg or ally). A response was observed in 33 patients. The median duration of treatment required to obtain a response was 21d (range 8-90). The medi an maximal platelet count on treatment was 130x10(9)/l (range 71-355). Dapsone was continued in 20/33 responders for a median of 12.5 months (range 1-48) and the response persisted in 19. Treatment was intentio nally withdrawn in the other 13 responders and thrombocytopenia immedi ately recurred in 12. Reversible side-effects required cessation of tr eatment in seven patients. These results demonstrate that dapsone is a n effective, inexpensive, and well-tolerated treatment for chronic AIT P.