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Updated: May 15, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Increased circulating red cell microparticles (RMP) and platelet microparticles (PMP) in immune thrombocytopenic
Eman M Sewify1, Douaa Sayed, Refat F Abdel Aal
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.
Unlabelled:
It has been suggested that patients with ITP have an increased thrombotic risk compared to the general population and compared to those with other causes of acquired thrombocytopenia. The pro-coagulant role of microparticles in some clinical situations has been reported, yet, very little data is available about microparticles in ITP and their effect.
Aim Of The Work:
To assess the levels of red cell microparticles (RMP), platelet microparticles (PMP) and their possible relation to some haemostatic parameters in ITP patients
Patients And Methods:
The levels of RMP and PMP in addition to FVIII, FIX, FXI, PC and aPTT were assessed in 29 patients with chronic ITP (8 of them had splenectomy). Ten apparently healthy volunteers served as controls. We compared the levels of the studied parameters in ITP patients with that in controls. Correlations of these parameters with each other and with the platelet count were studied.
Results:
RMP (p=0.0001), PMP (p=0.0001), D- dimer (p=0.048), FVIII (p=0.049), FIX (p=0.0001) and FXI (p=0.0001) were significantly higher in ITP patients compared to controls. aPTT was significantly longer in ITP patients (p=0.0001) but PC showed no significant difference. However, RMP was associated with shorter aPTT. Generally, the coagulation factors were negatively correlated with platelet count in ITP patients. Compared to controls, ITP patients preserved higher levels of RMP and PMP even in those with near-normal platelet count. Splenectomy was associated with lower FIX (p=0.0001) and FXI (p=0.028) and higher RMP (p=0.0001).
In Conclusion:
Chronic ITP was associated with increased levels of RMP and PMP. FVIII, FIX and FXI were increased in ITP patients but showed a negative correlation with platelet count. Splenectomy was associated with increased levels of RMP and lower levels of FIX and F XI. The high level of microparticles in ITP might point towards a prothrombotic tendency.
Insights
Patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have higher levels of red cell and platelet microparticles, potentially indicating a prothrombotic risk. These microparticles remain elevated even with near-normal platelet counts.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Thrombosis
- Immunology
Background:
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis.
- The role of microparticles in ITP pathogenesis and thrombotic risk is not well understood.
- Microparticles are pro-coagulant vesicles released from cell membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify red cell microparticles (RMP) and platelet microparticles (PMP) in ITP patients.
- To investigate the relationship between RMP, PMP, and hemostatic parameters in ITP.
- To compare microparticle levels in ITP patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed RMP and PMP levels in 29 chronic ITP patients and 10 healthy controls.
- Measured coagulation factors (FVIII, FIX, FXI), platelet count (PC), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
- Analyzed correlations between microparticles, hemostatic parameters, and platelet count; compared groups.
Main Results:
- ITP patients showed significantly elevated RMP and PMP compared to controls.
- Coagulation factors FVIII, FIX, and FXI were higher in ITP patients, correlating negatively with platelet count.
- Splenectomy in ITP patients was linked to higher RMP and lower FIX/FXI levels.
Conclusions:
- Chronic ITP is characterized by increased RMP and PMP levels.
- Elevated microparticles in ITP may contribute to an increased prothrombotic tendency.
- Hemostatic factor levels and microparticle profiles are altered in ITP, with specific changes post-splenectomy.
