@article{3096864,
    title = "Clinical remission following monoclonal anti-CD20 therapy in two
children with chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura",
    author = "Moschovi, M and Trimis, G and Pergantou, H and Platokouki, H and and Vrachnou, E and Tzortzatou-Stathopoulou, F",
    journal = "Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health",
    year = "2005",
    volume = "41",
    number = "7",
    pages = "384-386",
    publisher = "Wiley",
    issn = "1034-4810, 1440-1754",
    doi = "10.1111/j.1440-1754.2005.00641.x",
    keywords = "anti-CD20 antibody; autoimmune diseases; B cells; chronic refractory
immune thrombocytopenic purpura",
    abstract = "Two patients, a 4-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl who had a 2-year
and a 3-year history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,
respectively, were referred to our Department. Both patients had
frequent haemorrhagic events. They received i.v. immunoglobulin,
corticosteroids, cyclosporine, interferon alpha-2b and azathioprine, but
no clinical remission was established. The girl also underwent
splenectomy. Anti-CD20 antibody was administered to both patients at a
dose of 375 mg/m(2) once weekly for 4 weeks. No side-effects were
detected. During the 18-month follow-up period the patients received no
other drug and remained in clinical remission. The B lymphocytes
remained undetectable in peripheral blood for 3 months and they
progressively increased during the following 4 months. Rituximab is a
novel, quite effective, safe treatment of chronic refractory idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood. More studies and follow up of
patients for longer periods are necessary."
}