Response to ATG
Dear Leung,
My case sounds similar to your niece. I am 55 with moderate AA. In February 2010 I was treated with horse ATG, followed by an immunosuppressive drug similar to cyclosporine, tacrolimus. After 3 months, I became transfusion free from platelets, but still need RBCs every 2-3 months. My WBC count is normal.
So at 6 months my case was reviewed. Doc says I may be slow responder. My platelets never rose above 30,000 and still need the RBCs. And still taking the tacrolimus. So now we are discussing doing a 2nd round of horse ATG at my 1 year anniversary of 1st treatment. Not sure if this will be beneficial as my 1st response to ATG was disappointing. Theory is maybe I'll respond enough to also become transfusion free from RBCs and maybe kick up my platelet count to 50,000 which would be a much safer threshold than where its at now. So it is under debate.
Hope it is helpful reading another situation dealing with AA and treatment. Let me know what is being considered now for your niece.
Good luck, SusanSR
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