Assessment of Reticulated Platelets in Children and Adolescents with Newly Diagnosed Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

Abstract

Background :ITP is uncommon hematological disorder and sometimes diagnosis may be difficult .Bone marrow aspirate may be needed ,Reticulated platelets percentage may decrease rate of bone marrow aspirates done in ITP patients. Patient and methods:30 newly diagnosed ITP patients , was collected for this study and 30 matched controls also; both will be subjected to complete history taking ,physical examination , full blood count and blood film and IPF% measurement , patient group was followed weekly by a CBC for detection of remission when remission occurs another measurement of IPF% is done if remission does not occur IPF% will be measured after 6 months of diagnosis.IPF% was measured by flowcytometry. Results: At time of diagnosis the study group had a highly significant reduced platelet count ,higher IPF% and lower RPC as compared to control group. After remission platelet count increased ,IPF decreased and RPC increased. There was statistically non significant difference between study group on CS or IVIG regarding laboratory data after remission. Conclusion : In ITP patients IPF% inversely related to platelet count ,with response to treatment platelet count increased, IPF% decreased and absolute reticulated count increased. Recommendations :IPF % can be used at initial diagnosis of ITP, to decrease rates of BM examinations.