The Thrombocytopenic Effect of Sustained High-Dosage Prednisone Therapy in Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

THE beneficial effect of corticosteroids in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in adults has been proved.^{1 , 2} in approximately 60 per cent of cases, the platelet count can be returned to normal levels with corticosteroids. Once the platelet count is normal, the practice in this laboratory has been to taper the dose of corticosteroids until the lowest maintenance level is found at which the remission is sustained. Because of the self-limited nature of some cases, permanent remission is achieved, and corticosteroids may be eliminated. Other cases require long-term maintenance therapy to sustain the remission, and for many of these patients . . .