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Updated: May 3, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Plasma concentration of platelet-derived microparticles is related to painful vaso-occlusive phenotype severity in
Danitza Nebor1, Andre Bowers2, Philippe Connes3
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U665, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France ; Université Antilles-Guyane, Pointe-à-Pitre, France.
Abstract:
High plasma level of microparticles (MPs) deriving mainly from erythrocytes and platelets has been detected in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients. Flow cytometry was used to determine the concentration of MPs in two groups of SCA patients exhibiting marked differences in painful vaso-occlusive crisis rates [a non-severe group (n = 17) and a severe group (n = 12)], and in a control group composed of healthy subjects (n = 20). A 3- to 4-fold increase of total MP plasma concentration was detected in SCA patients. Higher platelet-derived MPs concentration was detected in the severe SCA group while erythrocyte-derived MPs concentration was increased in the non-severe SCA patient group only. Our results suggest that plasma concentration of MPs shed by platelets is a biomarker of the vaso-occlusive phenotype-related severity.
Insights
Plasma microparticles (MPs) are elevated in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Platelet-derived MPs may indicate vaso-occlusive crisis severity in SCA patients, suggesting their potential as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is characterized by elevated plasma microparticles (MPs), primarily from erythrocytes and platelets.
- Understanding MP levels in SCA patients with varying vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) rates is crucial for identifying disease severity markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma microparticle concentrations and the severity of painful vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia patients.
- To determine if specific MP subtypes (erythrocyte-derived vs. platelet-derived) correlate with different clinical phenotypes of SCA.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was employed to quantify total and subtype-specific microparticle concentrations in plasma.
- Study included two groups of SCA patients categorized by crisis severity (non-severe and severe) and a control group of healthy subjects.
Main Results:
- SCA patients exhibited a 3- to 4-fold increase in total plasma MP concentration compared to controls.
- The severe SCA group showed higher concentrations of platelet-derived MPs.
- The non-severe SCA group displayed increased erythrocyte-derived MPs.
Conclusions:
- Plasma microparticle levels are significantly elevated in sickle cell anemia patients.
- Platelet-derived microparticles show potential as a biomarker for the vaso-occlusive phenotype severity in SCA.
- Distinct MP profiles may reflect different disease manifestations in SCA.
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