ISSN:
1432-0584
Keywords:
rIFN alpha-2a
;
Thrombocytosis
;
Myeloproliferative disorders
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In an open prospective pilot trial, we tested the effect of recombinant interferon alpha-2a (rIFN alpha-2a) on thrombocytosis in myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). Since October 1986, 13 patients with MPD (4 with chronic granulocytic leukemia, 4 with polycythemia vera, 3 with essential thrombocythemia and 2 with myeloid metaplasia) were treated with rIFN alpha-2a. Platelet counts decreased in all treated patients within 2 to 10 weeks from a median value of 1,050×109/l (range 610−1,940×109/l) to 340×109/l (range 230−495×109/l). The response was dose-dependent. In 11 patients we observed a simultaneous reduction of the white blood cell count. Six patients still continue the IFN alpha-2a therapy. In 7 treatment was discontinued, because of chronic side effects in 3, and because of noncompliance in one. In these patients, thrombocytosis recurred after discontinuation of the therapy. These results show that rIFN alpha-2a is effective in controlling thrombocytosis in MPD. However, the long-term benefit of interferon in these disorders remains to be established.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00320230
Permalink
