Selective Chemotherapy of Macrophages in the Treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is not as "idiopathic" as it once was since much evidence has accumulated to demonstrate the role of IgG antibody in its genesis.1 Its treatment is often quite simple and yet is sometimes fraught with great difficulties. The clinical presentation is commonly one of purpura, perhaps with mild bleeding, and a platelet count that is mildly to moderately reduced but is usually above 5000 per cubic millimeter. An initial trial of prednisone in high doses (60 to 100 mg per day) is usually successful in reducing the amount of antibody on the platelets and in elevating the . . .