Comparison of conventional dose steroid treatment and high dose steroid treatment as run-in regime for splenectomy in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Abstract Background Splenectomy is a treatment procedure for ITP which is being used for more that 50 years and is still considered as the best option for the treatment of the condition. The facts that frequent monitoring is not required and that medical treatment is not indicated following splenectomy in most cases are among the major advantages of the procedure. Aim of the study To compare the conventional dose steroid and high dose steroid treatments as run-in regime for splenectomy in patients diagnosed with ITP. Methods The conventional dose steroid (1 mg/kg, n  = 20) and high dose steroid treatments (30 mg/kg, n  = 30) were applied to 50 cases with ITP between 1998 and 2008 in our clinic. Results: High dose steroid produced higher platelet count on days 3, 5, and 7 compared to conventional dose steroid. There were no differences between the groups in terms of adverse effects. Treatments were discontinued after the operation by rapidly reducing the dose. Postoperative values regarding response to splenectomy were comparable in both groups. Conclusions Both higher and earlier responses obtained with high dose steroid may be significant in reducing hospitalization period of patients and eliminating life-threatening platelet values within the shortest time possible.