PLATELET-ASSOCIATED IGG IN IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (2) , 317-325
Abstract
A method for the measurement of immunoglobulin [Ig] G associated with gel-filtered platelets is described and findings in 70 control subjects and 37 patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are reported. Control platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) levels (nanograms IgG/109 platelets) averaged (.+-. SD) 1231 .+-. 424; samples studied after 24 and 48 h remained within the control range. PAIgG values of 19 adult and 12 childhood patients with chronic ITP averaged 4711 .+-. 3025 and 4923 .+-. 3955, respectively, and differed significantly from controls (P < 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between PAlgG values and the chronic ITP patient''s platelet count. Six patients with childhood acute lTP had PAlgG levels ranging from 5588-56,250 and appeared to represent a different statistical population from those with chronic ITP. In chronic ITP patients responding to splenectomy, there was an immediate normalization of PAlgG levels; however, a certain percentage of patients studied several months after splenectomy evidenced elevated PAlgG levels in association with normal platelet counts. These data showed that the direct measurement of platelet associated antibody is a useful technique in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with chronic ITP. Preliminary studies in patients with acute ITP suggested that this method may be useful in differentiating acute and chronic childhood ITP.