Letter to the Editor
Rituximab is Effective in the Treatment of Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Abstract
Two percent of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients present with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Corticosteroids, immune globulins (IVIG) and splenectomy remain the mainstay of treatment for ITP. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody against CD20 antigen expressed on B-lymphocytes. Because of its B-cell depleting capability, it has been employed in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Many case reports and series have reported its efficacy in the treatment of refractory ITP.1 However, its efficacy in CLL-associated ITP is not well known. Here, a patient with refractory CLL-associated ITP, successfully treated with rituximab, is described.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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