Mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of refractory auto-immune haemolytic anaemia and auto-immune thrombocytopenia purpura

Br J Haematol. 2002 Jun;117(3):712-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2002.03430.x.

Abstract

The treatment of both auto-immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and auto-immune thromobocytopenic purpura (AITP) remains unsatisfactory in those refractory to first-line management. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive agent originally used to prevent acute rejection of solid organ transplants and used more recently in the management of auto-immune conditions. We report its use in four patients with AIHA and six patients with AITP. All four patients with AIHA and five of the six patients with AITP showed a complete or good partial response to treatment with MMF, confirming a possible role in the treatment of these conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / blood
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / blood
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mycophenolic Acid