Vinca Alkaloids for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Excerpt

To the editor: Ahn and coworkers (1) have reported interesting observations on the results of slow infusion of vinca alkaloids in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, several points crucial for an objective analysis are not clarified in their data. Although the authors define "excellent" and "good" responses, the pretreatment platelet counts are not mentioned for these patients. It is very important to specify what the precise pretreatment was. Obviously, a rise to 130 000/mm³ from 120 000/mm³ or 20 000/mm³ have different implications.

Emphasis on the numerical correction of platelet counts in asymptomatic patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic