[Efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy for refractory/relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in treating patients with refractory and/or relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

METHODS: Totally three patients received rituximab as salvage therapy in our hospital. Rituximab was administered at a weekly dose of 375 mg/m(2) for 2 or 4 consecutive weeks. After clinical remission, patients were followed up every 3 months.

RESULTS: All three patients achieved complete remission. The median time to platelet count recovery was 7 days (4-12 days) after the first rituximab infusion. During the follow-up (median: 12 months; range: 9-18 months), no patients experienced relapse. No side effect was noted during treatment and follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: Therapy with rituximab is effective and well tolerated for patients with refractory or relapsing TTP.