Treatment of Cutaneous Sclerosis and Aplastic Anemia with Antithymocyte Globulin

  1. EDWARD P. BALABAN, D.O.;
  2. RICHARD G. SHEEHAN, M.D.;
  3. PETER E. LIPSKY, M.D.; and
  4. EUGENE P. FRENKEL, M.D.
  1. Dallas, Texas

    Abstract

    We administered antithymocyte globulin to a 52-year-old man with cutaneous sclerosis (scleroderma) and severe aplastic anemia for treatment of the aplastic lesion. The use of this therapy resulted not only in marrow recovery but also in resolution of the sclerosis. This observation indicates that T lymphocytes, their products, or both, are important factors in the pathogenesis of cutaneous sclerosis. Furthermore, the success of this treatment could play a role in future investigations involving the treatment of scleroderma and scleroderma-like conditions.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Divisons of Hematology/Oncology and Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Dallas Veterans Administration Medical Center and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas; Dallas, Texas.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Edward P. Balaban, D.O.; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd.; Dallas, TX 75235.

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    1. Ann Intern Med January 1, 1987 vol. 106 no. 1 56-58
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