Long-term treatment with thalidomide for severe recurrent hemorrhage from intestinal angiodysplasia in Glanzmann Thrombasthenia. (17th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paciullo, Francesco; Fierro, Tiziana; Calcinaro, Filippo; Zucca Giucca, Gianfranco; Gresele, Paolo; Bury, Loredana
• Is Part Of: Platelets. Volume 32:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17
• Subjects: Gastrointestinal bleeding -- Glanzmann Thrombasthenia -- thalidomide; Blood platelets -- Periodicals; Blood Platelets -- Periodicals; 615.39
• DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2020.1745169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-7104

Abstract

Abstract: Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIA) is the most common cause of occult gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) requiring often hospitalization and transfusions, especially in patients with hemorrhagic disorders. Thalidomide, impairing neo-angiogenesis, has been successfully used in the management of bleeding in patients with GIA and in particular in patients with inherited bleeding disorders. Only one case of short-term treatment with thalidomide in a patient with Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) and recurrent GIB due to GIA has been reported so far. We report the case of a woman with GT developing high frequency recurrent GIB due to GIA requiring repeated blood and platelet transfusions, who was treated with thalidomide obtaining a striking and stable reduction of GIB and of the requirement of platelet and blood transfusions for over 5 years. Moreover, we raise the suspicion that the association between GT and GIA may not be fortuitous.