Platelet apoptosis in pediatric immune thrombocytopenia

Introduction Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disorder characterized by immune‑mediated accelerated destruction and suppressed production of platelets. The etiology of ITP is not yet known, and the diagnosis continues to be one of exclusion. Apoptosis is the physiologically most common form of programmed cell death. The anucleated platelets and megakaryocytes both possess a functional apoptotic machinery that controls their survival and dictates their lifespan. Aim We aimed to assess platelets apoptosis in pediatric patients with ITP and to correlate it with the clinical outcome of the disease. Patients and methods The study included 40 pediatric patients with acute ITP and 20 controls. Detection of platelet apoptosis was done with annexin V and CD41 by flow cytometry. Results Platelet count was significantly decreased in patients with ITP, and mean platelets volume was significantly increased in patients with ITP. The percentage of total apoptotic platelets and early and late apoptosis of platelets were significantly increased in patients with ITP than the controls. The patients with brief duration of thrombocytopenia were younger than patients with prolonged duration of thrombocytopenia. Platelets count and mean platelets volume were significantly increased in the patients with prolonged duration than patients with brief duration of thrombocytopenia. Moreover, the percentage of total apoptotic platelets and early apoptosis of platelets were significantly decreased in patients with brief duration than patients with prolonged duration of thrombocytopenia. Conclusion This study demonstrates an increase in platelets apoptosis in pediatric ITP.