Megathrombocytes, Platelet Regeneration Time and Platelet-Associated IgG in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and in Thrombocytopenia Associated with Chronic Liver Disease

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Abstract
Percentage of megathrombocytes, platelet regeneration time (PRT) and platelet-associated IgG (Pl-A-IgG) were investigated in 12 patients with clinical features consistent with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP] and in 11 patients with thrombocytopenia associated with chronic liver disease. Bone marrow smears were also examined and megakaryocytes classified into stages I-III according to the current principle. Of 12 patients with ITP the megathrombocyte percentage was increased in 9, PRT reduced in 10 and Pl-A-IgG increased in 8 patients. A statistically significant correlation existed between the megathrombocyte percentage and the Pl-A-IgG level. A slight correlation was also found between PRT and the megathrombocyte percentage while a significant correlation was found between megakaryocytes in stage I and the megathrombocyte percentage, suggesting that megakaryocyte growth probably contributes to platelet heterogeneity. In patients with thrombocytopenia and chronic liver disease, the megathrombocyte percentage was in the normal range. A moderately increased Pl-A-IgG level was found only in patients with active chronic hepatitis. PRT was reduced only in a few patients, while most also showed an increased Pl-A-IgG level.