Is splenectomy necessary for immune thrombocytopenic purpura? The role of rituximab in patients with corticosteroid resistance in a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid therapy followed by splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the standard practice. Rituximab is mostly used in patients with chronic refractory ITP who have failed multiple previous treatments, including splenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the potential role of rituximab as an early therapeutic option for patients with corticosteroid-resistant ITP who preferred to avoid splenectomy in favor of other treatment.

METHODS: Twenty-five patients with corticosteroid-resistant ITP were treated with rituximab between May 1, 2009, and June 30, 2012, at a single center. Rituximab was administered at 100 mg/m(2) on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The response to rituximab therapy and adverse effects were observed.

RESULTS: Complete remission was achieved in 19 patients (76%), partial remission in 3 patients (12%), and minimal response in none of the patients; 1 patient was considered a treatment failure (4%). Two patients (8%) were lost to follow-up. Twenty-two patients (88%) achieved a platelet count >50 × 10(9)/L. The median time from administration of the first rituximab dose to partial remission was 2 months (range, 0.7-3 months) for all the patients. Response classified as sustained was achieved in 21 patients (84%). No serious adverse effects were observed during rituximab therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab therapy is effective and safe for patients with corticosteroid-resistant ITP before splenectomy, resulting in high complete remission and overall response rates. A multicenter study with a larger sample should be performed to further explore the role of rituximab therapy.