I know someone who was in a Rituxan Study. I think this person is OK. It's been awhile, but I remember that this person felt better after the infusions.

This is another Med like Tysabri, so I'm not surprised about PML being a factor.

Would you believe the docs are trying to get my daughter to agree to treat her 3 year old son with Rituxan. He has ITP, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura. He's considered chronic and has not responded to steroids. She has consulted with several of the best pediatric hematologists and they all suggest Rituxan.

So far Kendra hasn't been willing to use the drug as it's not approved for ITP and the positive results with the drug are only about 30%.

She wants to use the wait and watch approach. Treat only when his platelets are really low. Her Dr wants him on continuous steroids. What a problem. Dr has threated her with protective services.

Worry, Worry, Worry. Betty

Oh Betty, that is so scary. A sweet little 3 yr old, being abused by these Doctors. What is this disease that your dear grandchild has and what caused it? Can it be cured or will he outgrow it.

I'm going to go look it up right now, so I am more knowledgible. Be back later.

(((((((Betty)))))))

Below is what I found, Betty and eveywhere I read, it said the same thing. In children, unless chronic, usually goes away on it's own, without treatment. Acute attacks may be treated with short term steroids.

As far as I can see, your DD is right, a wait and see and treat as needed. These Docs are el-wrongo and, after what I read, childrens service should be called on them and not your Daughter.

How is ITP treated in children?

Because most children recover with no treatment, many doctors recommend just watching them carefully and taking care of the bleeding symptoms. Children don't have to go to the hospital if good care is available at home. However, some doctors recommend a short treatment with prednisone pills or intravenous infusions (given in a vein) of gamma globulin to increase the platelet count more quickly. Both medicines have some side effects.