New data presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) today, show that people living with a previously untreated bleeding disorder, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), who received MabThera (rituximab) in combination with standard management were able to prevent bleeding for longer than those receiving standard treatment alone.
Data from the phase III study, which is the first randomised study to evaluate the use of MabThera in treating platelet disorders, shows that patients with ITP who were given MabThera and standard treatment were able to maintain their blood platelet count for longer thereby avoiding potentially life threatening bleeding in vital organs such as the brain.
"People with chronic ITP and very low platelet counts live with the threat of bleeding. The aim of treatment is to stop blood platelet counts falling to help prevent this from happening. These data show that patients receiving MabThera experience an immediate benefit" said Francesco Zaja from the University of Udine, Italy, and principle investigator for the study.
ITP is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own blood cells (platelets) or does not produce enough blood cells to protect itself. This means the blood does not clot properly and can result in easy bruising, nose bleeds, bleeding from the gums, gut, and bleeding in the brain. ITP is either an acute condition in children or a chronic condition in adults. Chronic ITP predominantly affects adults (median age around 50 years) and is more common in women.
"The long period of time without the disease recurring shows that in some patients MabThera offers the potential for cure," said Francesco Zaja. "This is extremely good news for people with this potentially life-threatening condition as current forms of treatment only aim to relieve symptoms rather than cure the condition itself."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/132176.phpmy oldest son had this at age 4.... it was a temporary issue.. but I have a friend who lives with this each day.... having remissions for long periods.. and having major issues when she is delivering a child.... when she has to have major transfusions of platlets to clot....Okay, someone has to figure out how all of this is connected! My sister had ITP when she was 5.
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com