Severe Autoimmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura during Interferon-alpha Therapy for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.

Posted by rob on November 28, 2004 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Acta Haematol. 2004; 112(4): 217-218
Arimura K, Arima N, Ohtsubo H, Matsushita K, Kukita T, Ayukawa T, Kuroki T, Tei C

Interferon (IFN)-alpha is a leukocyte-derived cytokine and is used to treat several hematopoietic malignancies. The most common adverse effects of IFN-alpha are flu-like symptoms and usually insignificant. However, adverse effects due to autoimmune mechanisms are often hazardous and irreversible, although their frequency is low. In the present report, we describe a 55-year-old female with chronic myelogenous leukemia who developed severe autoimmune thrombocytopenia during IFN-alpha therapy. The lowest platelet count was 6 x 10(9)/l with severe hemorrhagic tendency. The present report strongly suggests the clinical importance of autoimmune thrombocytopenia as an adverse effect of IFN-alpha. Copyright (c) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

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