Thrombocytopoietic effect of heparin given in chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Our previous in-vitro and in-vivo studies showed that heparin enhanced murine and human megakaryocytopoiesis. 20 patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura were randomly divided into two groups and given 10 mg per day of prednisone for 30 days, for haemostatic purposes. One group received in addition heparin (1250 IU twice a day subcutaneously for 30 days). From day 10, a significant increase in platelet count was observed in eight of the ten patients treated with heparin (p<0·05), with return to the initial value after heparin cessation in six of the responders. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of heparin and suggest its use or that of other related compounds for therapy of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura.