HCQ improves platelet counts in children with chronic ITP

Treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) results in higher platelet counts in children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a study has shown. In addition, its efficacy is not associated with the baseline antinuclear antibody (ANA) level.

In this retrospective cohort study, the authors compared the clinical characteristics of children with chronic ITP treated with HCQ with those who were not, as well as patients who responded to HCQ at 3 months with those who did not.

Mixed-effects models were used to assess the effect of HCQ on platelet counts and the association between ANA and HCQ efficacy. Finally, the authors reviewed the records of drug-related side effects.

Overall, 191 children with chronic ITP were included in the analysis, which included 42 patients treated with HCQ.

Of the patients who received HCQ, 69.0 percent achieved complete response or response over a median follow-up of 56 months. This was higher than the 48.3 percent of patients who did not receive HCQ (odds ratio, 2.39, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.15–4.95). The overall treatment response rates were 56.8 percent (21/37) at 3 months and 40.5 percent (15/37) at 1 year.

HCQ treatment led to increased platelet counts (mean difference, 23.82 × 109/L, 95 percent CI, 7.44–40.21). However, no association was noted between ANA positivity and HCQ efficacy.

In addition, six patients (14.3 percent) reported experiencing side effects.

“[The] side effects of HCQ warrant consideration,” the authors said.