Study of platelet-associated-immunoglobulins in lymphoproliferative disorders

In the development of thrombocytopenia in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders immunological factors may play the decisive role. Platelet-associated immunoglobulins were investigated by anti-human IgG and anti-human IgM-coated polyacrylamide beads ("Immunobeads") with light microscopy. Among the 65 patients studied 19 had thrombocytopenia and four of them had an increased number of platelet-immunobead rosettes. In four cases from the group of patients with normal platelet count this phenomenon was also demonstrated. The platelet-associated immunoglobulin was IgG except of one case in which it was IgM. Studying of platelet-associated immunoglobulins might have significance first of all in the choice of the most adequate therapy.