Effect of a single dose of rituximab in chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood.

Twenty-two children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with long-lasting thrombocytopenia, adversely affecting their quality of life, were treated with a reduced rituximab regimen in order to eliminate B cells producing anti-platelet antibody. A single dose of rituximab resulted in a response rate similar to that reported for cases in which 4 doses of rituximab were used.