Low doses of high-potency antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in severe aplastic anemia: experience with the Mexican ATG

Acta Haematol. 1989;81(2):70-4. doi: 10.1159/000205529.

Abstract

Twenty patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) were treated with low doses (1-5 mg/kg/day) of a high-potency antithymocyte globulin (ATG) produced in Mexico, shown to have at least a 10-fold potency as compared with other globulins of commercial sources. Patients received ATG within a 10-day period, every other day (5 doses) at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day (4 courses), 2 mg/kg/day (12 courses) or 5 mg/kg/day (8 courses). Four patients received 2 consecutive courses of different doses of ATG. A response rate of 42% was recorded in the group, assessed by means of increases in reticulocytes, granulocytes or platelets. One patient showed a complete remission. The 570-day survival of the group was 51%. It is concluded that the domestically produced ATG is useful in the treatment of some patients with SAA in Mexico.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anemia, Aplastic / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Aplastic / mortality
  • Anemia, Aplastic / therapy*
  • Animals
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / administration & dosage*
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Prednisone