Danazol for lupus thrombocytopenia.

Danazol therapy was used in the treatment of three consecutive patients with lupus-associated thrombocytopenia refractory to high-dose prednisone therapy (two patients) or in whom high-dose prednisone therapy was considered contraindicated (one patient). Treatment was associated in each case with an increase in platelet count but was complicated in two of three patients by the development of a diffuse maculopapular rash that promptly resolved following discontinuation of danazol therapy. Retreatment of one patient with danazol was associated with immediate recurrence of the rash. We suggest that danazol therapy deserves further evaluation in the treatment of lupus-associated thrombocytopenia, but advise that patients be carefully monitored for rash.