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Published on: June 5, 2019
CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF EXTENDED PLATELET INDICES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIA
Aisha Arshad1, Samina Naz Mukry1, Tahir Sultan Shamsi1
11Department of Postgraduate Studies and Research, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan; 2Department of Transplant Immunology and Applied Microbiology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan; 3Department of Clinical Hematology, National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) diagnosis and severity can be predicted using immature platelet fraction (IPF) and other platelet indices. These advanced hematologic parameters offer reliable tools for assessing platelet disorders and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder affecting platelet counts.
- Immature platelet fraction (IPF) reflects megakaryocytic activity and may aid in ITP assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate extended platelet indices for ITP diagnosis.
- To assess the association of these indices with disease persistence and severity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 111 ITP patients with 111 healthy controls.
- Analysis of complete blood count parameters using Sysmex XN 1000.
- Statistical analysis including Fisher exact test and Pearson correlation.
Main Results:
- ITP patients showed lower hemoglobin and platelet counts, and higher leukocyte count and IPF compared to controls (p≤0.001).
- Newly diagnosed ITP patients had the lowest platelet count and highest IPF (27.1±19.2%).
- Platelet count negatively correlated with IPF across all patient groups.
Conclusions:
- IPF and other platelet parameters are simple, reliable tools for predicting ITP and disease severity.
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) may also predict disease severity and treatment response.
