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Platelet-associated IgG in pediatric HIV infection
M Ellaurie1, E R Burns, A Rubinstein
1Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Elevated platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) is common in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but it does not cause thrombocytopenia. Most children with HIV have high PAIgG, regardless of platelet count.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hematologic abnormalities, including thrombocytopenia, are common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Previous research indicated elevated platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) in HIV-associated thrombocytopenia in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the significance of elevated PAIgG levels in relation to thrombocytopenia in HIV-infected children.
- To investigate the presence of HIV antibody and antigen in platelet eluates from these patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective monitoring of 40 HIV-infected infants and children.
- Measurement of platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) levels.
- Analysis of platelet eluates for HIV antibody and P24 antigen.
Main Results:
- 15 out of 16 patients (93.7%) with thrombocytopenia had elevated PAIgG.
- 21 out of 24 patients (87.5%) with normal platelet counts also had elevated PAIgG.
- Platelet eluates were negative for HIV antibody and P24 antigen; elevated PAIgG did not predict future thrombocytopenia.
Conclusions:
- Elevated PAIgG levels are not causally related to the development of thrombocytopenia in children with HIV.
- While sensitive (93%), elevated PAIgG has low specificity (13%) for predicting thrombocytopenia in this population.