Subcutaneous anti-D globulin application is a safe treatment option of immune thrombocytopenia in children

Ann Hematol. 2010 Apr;89(4):415-8. doi: 10.1007/s00277-009-0848-x. Epub 2009 Oct 13.

Abstract

Subcutaneous (sc) administration of anti-D seems to offer the same efficacy as intravenous administration but with less side effects. Here we report our experience with sc anti-D for pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). A total of 12 children with a median age of 11.2 years had been treated by sc anti-D. They received a median of 2 sc anti-D applications (range 1-31) with a dosage of 250-375 IE/kg body weight. Only in one out of a total of 102 single applications, a minimal and self-limited side effect (chills) had been observed. The mean platelet count was almost doubled after sc anti-D (p < 0.0001). After a median follow-up of 11.4 months, all patients are alive without major bleeding and stay well. We conclude that sc anti-D: is not only an efficient means of treating ITP in children but is also a safe and convenient one.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Subcutaneous
  • Isoantibodies / administration & dosage
  • Isoantibodies / immunology
  • Isoantibodies / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Platelet Count
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood
  • Thrombocytopenia / drug therapy*
  • Thrombocytopenia / immunology*
  • Thrombocytopenia / pathology

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Isoantibodies
  • RHO(D) antibody
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin