[Frequently recurring cyclic megakaryocytopenic-thrombopenic purpura]

Danazol therapy in cyclic acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report

Cyclic acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenic purpura (AATP) is a rare disorder characterized by periodic fluctuations in the platelet counts due to a defect in the platelet production. We describe a 42-year-old female with cyclic AATP, in whom the cyclic fluctuations in the platelet counts ceased with danazol therapy. The pathogenesis of the disease and the possible mechanisms of danazol action have been reviewed.

Acquired cyclic thrombocytopenia-thrombocytosis with periodic defect of platelet function

A periodic fall of platelet number characterizes an acquired pathological condition named cyclic thrombocytopenia. We observed a patient in whom the episodes of thrombocytopenia (platelet number less than 50 x 10(9)/l) were followed regularly by thrombocytosis (700-2300 x 10(9) platelets/l). The period of platelet count fluctuation was about 40 d. Morphological examination of bone marrow showed the cyclic disappearance of mature and immature megakaryocytes; bone marrow cultures revealed a periodic severe defect of both multilineage and single-lineage progenitor cell growth. When platelet count was falling, a mild defect of platelet aggregation and ATP release was observed, while platelet function was normal when platelet count was rising. Prednisone, thymopentin, high-dose intravenous gamma-globulin and splenectomy were without effect. After 4 years of cyclic platelet and megakaryocyte fluctuations, stable amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia developed and the patient died of haemorrhagic stroke.