The Clinical Significance of the Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins in Children with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Abstract Background Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired immune-mediated disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. Although decreased platelet count is believed to be the main cause of hemorrhage in ITP, it is a poor predictor of bleeding risk by itself. Aim of the Work to measure CD62p and CD42b level in the pediatric ITP patients by using flow cytometer, measurement of platelet parameters in the pediatric ITP patients and to study its correlations to bleeding score. Patients and Methods sixty children with ITP were recruited and assessed for eligibility at the out-patients Hematology clinic – Pediatric Hospital at Ain Shams University, and compared with age and sex matched thirty healthy subjects. Results Pediatric ITP patients had a significant increase in the mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width and a significant decrease in plateletcrit among the ITP patient group in comparison with the control group (P value<0.001). The chronic ITP subgroup had significant increase of platelet count and plateletcrit in comparison with the acute ITP subgroup (P value<0.001). Pediatric ITP patients had significant increase in CD42b and a significant decrease in CD62p among the ITP patient group in comparison with the control group (P value<0.001). No statistically significant difference found between the acute, persistent and chronic ITP subgroups regarding CD42b and CD62p (P value>0.05). Conclusion Platelet function, platelet parameters and platelet glycoprotein CD62p, CD42b expression can be used as a clinical biomarkers in pediatric ITP.