A multicenter European trial of intravenous immune globulin in immune thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood.

Since a pilot study of intravenous immune globulin showed it to induce a rapid rise of thrombocytes in immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) in childhood, a randomized study was started for acute, untreated ITP and a prospective study for acute and chronic, pretreated ITP in children. The results of the pilot study and preliminary data of the ongoing studies are presented. Although little is known of the effects of intravenous immune globulin, possible mechanisms of action are discussed.