Slow infusion of vincristine in the treatment of refractory thrombocytopenic purpura.

Eight patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), who were refractory to glucocorticoid therapy, were given slow infusions of vincristine (VCR) over a 4- to 6-hour period at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. Three patients showed a return to normal platelet counts maintained for 3 months or longer. A transient recovery was observed in 1 patient and a partial response was observed in 3 patients. All patients tolerated therapy well, without side effects. In conclusion, therapy with slow infusion of VCR can be effective in refractory ITP.