Acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia previously diagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with hepatitis C virus infection

We report the first case of a patient with hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP), who later developed acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia(AAMT), with autoantibodies to the thrombopoietin(TPO) receptor(c-Mpl). A 64-year-old woman, with chronic hepatitis C, developed severe thrombocytopenia and was diagnosed with ITP. She died of liver failure. Autopsy revealed cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. In the bone marrow, a marked reduction in the number of megakaryocytes was observed, while other cell lineages were preserved. Therefore, she was diagnosed with AAMT. Additionally, autoantibodies to c-Mpl were detected in her serum. Autoantibodies to c-Mpl are one of the causes of AAMT, acting through inhibition of TPO function, megakaryocytic maturation, and platelet formation. HCV infection induces several autoantibodies. HCV infection might also induce autoantibodies to c-Mpl, resulting in the development of AAMT. This mechanism may be one of the causes of thrombocytopenia in patients with HCV infection.

The Effect of Costimulatory Factors in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

To investigate the effect of costimulatory factors in the pathogenesis of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(CITP), we examined the expression of CD80 on platelets and megakaryocytes in patients with CITP and the controls by FACS. By using CD80 monoclonal antibody (McAb) to inhibit interaction among cells which is mediated by costimulatory factors, we observed the effect of CD80 McAb on the growth and maturation of megakaryocytic progenitors of patients with CITP in vitro . The results showed the expression of CD80 on platelets and megakaryocytes in CITP group was significantly higher than that in controls ( P <0.01). There was a significantly positive correlation between the expression of CD80 on platelets and serum PAIgG in CITP (r=0.86, P <0.05). The mean of various clone numbers (CFU MK, BFU MK and mCFU MK) in CITP were all lower than those in controls ( P <0.05). In megakaryocytes co cultured with CD80 McAb, there was an increasing tendency of the number of CFU MK and big CFU MK (the number of megakaryocyte with GPⅢ a positive was more than 20) and mediate CFU MK (the number of megakaryocyte with GPⅢ a positive was 11-20). When the concentration of CD80 McAb was 10 μg/L, there was a significant difference in the number of megakaryocytic colony formation (CFU MK, BFU MK and mCFU MK) between the group with CD80 McAb and that without it ( P <0.05).These showed the abnormality of costimulatory factors had important effect in the pathogenesis of CITP.

Clinical Study on the Effect of Shengxueling (生血灵) on Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of Shengxueling (生血灵, SXL) on idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and study the possible mechanism.Methods: Eighty-six cases of ITP were randomly divided into two groups. The SXL group, 56 patients treated with SXL, a traditinal Chinese medicine and 30 patients administered with prednisone were taken as control. Each group took drugs for 3 months and was under follow-up observation.Results: In the SXL group, the total effective rate was 85.71%, similar to prednisone 83.33%( P >0.05) for 3 months, but the total effective rate of SXL (91.07%) were obviously better than that of the control group (53.33%) ( P <0.01) for 6 months and had no obvious adverse reaction. The patients bleeding was alleviated or stopped, the general condition was improved. At the same time, blood platelet count (PLT) was increased, platelet associated immunoglobulin (PAIg) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were markedly dropped, the level of natural killers cells activity (NKa) increased, the rate of T lymphocyte subsets gradually returned to normal level. Megakaryocyte tended to maturation on bone marrow smear after treatment. All differences above were statistically significant.Conclusion: SXL is an effective and safe medicine for ITP. Its mechanism could regulate cytoimmune, inhibit platelet antibody to reduce the destruction of platelet, increase the number of platelet, promote the division and maturation of megakaryocyte, facilitate the production and release of platelet, lower the fragility of capillary, prevent and cure hemorrhagic tendency.

Association of primary biliary cirrhosis with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Although both primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are autoimmune diseases, the association of the 2 diseases is rare. Here, we report a case of ITP that developed during the follow-up of PBC in a 74-year- old man. The patient had been diagnosed with PBC 12 years previously, and had received treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid. The platelet count decreased from approximately 60 × 109/L to 8 × 109/L, and the association of decompensated liver cirrhosis (PBC) with ITP was diagnosed. Steroid and immune gamma globulin therapy were successful in increasing the platelet count. Interestingly, human leukocyte antigen genotyping detected the alleles DQB10601 and DRB10803, which are related to both PBC and ITP in Japanese patients. This case suggests common immunogenetic factors might be involved in the development of PBC and ITP.

Refractory case of ulcerative colitis with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura successfully treated by Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib:A case report

BACKGROUND Concomitant ulcerative colitis (UC) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP) is a rare phenomenon. The management of UC with ITP can be challenging,since a decreased platelet count augments UC.CASE SUMMARY A 24-year-old man with UC and steroid-resistant ITP experienced UC flare.Although continuous infusion of cyclosporine was initiated, UC did not improve.The administration of tofacitinib subsequently led to the induction of remission.The patient has maintained remission of UC and ITP for over one year ontofacitinib treatment. Whole transcriptomic sequencing was performed forinflamed rectal mucosae obtained before and after the initiation of Janus kinase(JAK) inhibitor, suggesting that distinct molecular signatures seemed to beregulated by JAK inhibitors and other conventional therapies including tumornecrosis factor lockers.CONCLUSION Tofacitinib should be considered in refractory cases of UC with ITP.

Direct Infection of Colony Forming Unit-Megakaryocyte by Human Cytomegalovirus Contributes the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Human cytomegalovirus （HCMV） late mRNA expression in megakaryoblast and in turn the pathogenesis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura （ITP） patients with HCMV infection, and effectiveness of ganciclovir were investigated. Colony forming unit-megakaryocytes （CFU-MK） of 46 ITP patients with HCMV infection were incubated from patients＇ bone marrow mononuclear cells （MNC）. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） was subsequently used for CFU-MK for HCMV-late mRNA detection, Ganciclovir therapy was given to both HCMV-late mRNA positive and negative groups for comparison of therapeutic effectiveness, The results in 19 of 46 CFU-MK culture cells specimens with positive HCMV-DNA by PCR or positive CMV-IgM by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） in the correspondent serum of peripheral blood were positive for HCMV-late mRNA, Sixteen out of 19 patients with positive HCMV-late mRNA CFU-MK had a positive response to ganciclovir. Amongst 27 patients with negative HCMV-late mRNA CFU-MK, only 4 positive responders to ganciclovir therapy were observed. Curative effectiveness of ganciclovir in HCMV-late mRNA positive group was significantly higher than that in HCMV-late mRNA negative group （P〈0.01）, It was suggested that HCMV could directly infect CFU-MK, which might be one of the mechanisms responsible for HCMV related ITE The ganci- clovir is an effective therapy in resulting in the increases in thrombocyte in the ITP patients whose HCMV- late mRNA was positive in their CFU-MK.

Therapeutic Uses of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides on Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Mice via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the treatment of ITP mice and to explore its mechanism. Forty idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) mice were divided randomly into a model control group and LBP groups I, II, III and IV. ITP mice in LBP groups I, II, III, and IV were administered LBP at four different doses (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively) for 7 days by gavage. Blood samples were collected from the tail veins of the mice after treatment. Platelet counts were determined, and the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) were measured with ELISA kits. The platelet count was (30.28 ± 13.42) × 109/L in the model control group, and the number of platelets in all LBP groups was higher than that in the model control group. The platelet count increased, and it reached (67.09 ± 10.81) × 109/L in LBP group I;the platelet counts in the other three groups increased significantly compared to LBP group I, and they did not differ significantly. TAS concentrations in the LBP groups were significantly increased compared to the model control group, whereas TOS concentrations were significantly decreased. Taken together, these results indicate that LBP is effective at increasing the number of platelet (PLT), and LBP may treat ITP mice via suppressing oxidative stress.

Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) with Grave’s Disease, in a Plasmodium Vivax Positive Patient. A Case Report

Hyperthyroidism and thrombocytopenia have long been associated with each other. We present a case of 38 years old female presenting with complaints of bleeding from gums, bleeding per rectum, hematuria and easy bruising since 7 days ago. She also had a diffuse, non-tender neck swelling moving with deglutition and positive bruit on auscultation. Her laboratory results indicated thrombocytopenia (22 × 10^9/L) and her thyroid function test revealed TSH of 0.01 mIU/ml (normal: 0.17 - 4.05), free T3 of 19.19 pg/ml (normal: 1.6 - 3.7), free T4 of 4.09 ng/dl (normal: 0.89 - 1.79). Thyroid scan showed diffuse goiter with increased tracer uptake. Furthermore, her serum anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxide were elevated to 205 IU/ml and 713 IU/ml respectively. She was started on carbimazole and methylprednisolone immediately. On the 3rd day of admission, she was tested to be positive for Plasmodium Vivax after a fever spike and was started on Chloroquine (CQ) and later shifted to Primaquine (PQ). During 2 weeks of admission, her platelet count kept fluctuating between <10 × 10^9/L and <100 × 10^9/L with frequent transfusions of mega units of platelets. During 3rd week, her platelets improved and she was discharged with a platelet count of 370 × 10^9/L. This case, therefore, supports the association between autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) strongly suggesting the need for evaluating thyroid disease in cases of severe thrombocytopenia especially those refractory to treatment. Also, the effectiveness of treatment of thyroid disease on thrombocytopenia is also highlighted. In addition, it showed the possible added exacerbating effects of malarial infection on thrombocytopenia.

Lymphocytosis in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Patients Infected by <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>

Background and Objectives: Several recent reports have demonstrated a close linkage between idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in some patient’s populations. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of H. pylori-induced thrombocytopenia remain obscure. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of H. pylori infection pylori and performed a comparative analysis of a subset of H. pylori-infected patients (group A) with non-infected patients (group B) using the standard statistical methods. Design and Methods: From December 2001 to October 2002, we investigated the presence of gastric H. pylori infection in 30 adult ITP patients and 19 patients were treated with standard antibiotic therapy for H. pylori eradication (amoxicillin and clarithromycin plus lansoprazole combination). We used the standard statisticsto analyze the difference between group A and group B. Results: H. pylori eradication was achieved in 17/19 (89.4%) H.pylori-infected patients. An improvement of platelet count was observed in 14/19 patients (73.6%) who achieved the eradication. Five of these patients achieved CR (two patients were with the acute ITP) and nine patients reached PR. The difference between the mean platelet count ± S.D. before and after H. pylori therapy was statistically significant in patients with successful decontamination (65 ± 48 × 109/L vs. 200 ± 140 × 109/L;p = 0.018). Lymphocyte counts at the diagnosis of H. pylori infected cases were significant higher than those of non-infected cases (1.58 ± 0.13 ×

原发性血小板减少紫癜(Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP)的治疗

治疗原则对急性、重型患者,目的是防止致命性出血;对慢性或已缓解者,是促进病情缓解或维持缓解;联合用药能提高疗效。治疗方案推荐方案1~61、肾上腺皮质激素适用血小板计数明显减少,有较严重皮肤、粘膜出血,有颅内出血倾向者;脾切除前作减少手术出血的措施。用法:强的松40~60mg/日、严重出血者60~100mg/日,疗程2~4周,缓解后渐减量维持治疗。急性出血者可用氢化考的松200mg/iv qd或氟美松10~20mg/iv qd,连用3~5日,缓解后改口服强的松维持。

Effectiveness of total therapy in immune thrombocytopenia purpura:case series

Immune Thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP)is a haematologicimmune-mediated disorder in which the amount of platelet in the blood decreases abnormally.Single-agent therapies for ITP have not proven successful in achieving long-term remission,with relapse occurring in about half of the patients(p/t).Treatment options which include Rituximab with Dexamethasone as frontline therapy,have durable response rates ranging from 58%to 76%.In this study,we have used‘Total therapy’as treatment which includes low-dose Rituximab in combination with Thrombopoietin receptor agonist(TPO-RA)(Romiplostim)and high-dose Dexamethasone.In this case series study,each patient received romiplostim(250 mcg weekly s/c,4 doses)in combination with low-dose rituximab(100 mg weekly IV,4 doses)and high-dose dexamethasone(40 mgIV on days 1-4and days 15-18).This treatment combination demonstrated rapid response rates and a low rate of side effects,making it a good alternative for individuals with ITP.

Current Concept for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder manifested by immunemediated thrombocytopenia. The estimated incidence ranges from 50 ～ 100 per million each year in western countries, roughly divided between adults and children.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura induced by intestinal tuberculosis in a liver transplant recipient

A variety of clinical manifestations are associated directly or indirectly with tuberculosis. Among them, haematological abnormalities can be found in both the pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms of the disease. We report a case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP) associated with intestinal tuberculosis in a liver transplant recipient. The initial management of thrombocytopenia, with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, was not successful, and the lack oftuberculosis symptoms hampered a proper diagnostic evaluation. After the diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis and the initiation of specific treatment, a progressive increase in the platelet count was observed. The mechanism of ITP associated with tuberculosis has not yet been well elucidated, but this condition should be considered in cases of ITP that are unresponsive to steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, especially in immunocompromised patients and those from endemic areas.

Identification of 8 Rare Deleterious Variants in ADAMTS13 by Next-generation Sequencing in a Chinese Population with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Objective Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura(TTP)is a rare and fatal disease caused by a severe deficiency in the metalloprotease ADAMTS13 and is characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy.The present study aimed to investigate the genes and variants associated with TTP in a Chinese population.Methods Target sequencing was performed on 220 genes related to complements,coagulation factors,platelets,fibrinolytic,endothelial,inflammatory,and anticoagulation systems in 207 TTP patients and 574 controls.Subsequently,logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the TTP-associated genes based on the counts of rare deleterious variants in the region of a certain gene.Moreover,the associations between common variants and TTP were also investigated.Results ADAMTS13 was the only TTP-associated gene(OR=3.77;95%CI:1.82–7.81;P=3.6×10^(-4))containing rare deleterious variants in TTP patients.Among these 8 variants,5 novel rare variants that might contribute to TTP were identified,including rs200594025,rs782492477,c.T1928G(p.I643S),c.3336_3361del(p.Q1114Afs*20),and c.3469_3470del(p.A1158Sfs*17).No common variants associated with TTP were identified under the stringent criteria of correction for multiple testing.Conclusion ADAMTS13 is the primary gene related to TTP.The genetic variants associated with the occurrence of TTP were slightly different between the Chinese and European populations.

Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura

AIM:To compare the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hpylon)infection in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP)patients with that of nonthrombocytopenic controls, and to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment in H pylori(+) and H pylor(-)AITP patients. METHODS:The prevalence of gastric H pylori infection in 38 adult AITP patients(29 female and 9 male;median age 27 years;range 18-39 years)who consecutively admitted to our clinic was investagated. RESULTS:H pylori infection was found in 26 of 38 AITP patients(68.5%).H pylori infection was found in 15 of 23 control subjects(65.2%).The difference in H pylori infection between the 2 groups was not significant.Thrombocyte count of H pylori-positive AITP patients was significantly lower than that of H pylori-negative AITP patients(P<0.05). Thrombocyte recovery of H pylori-positive group was less than that of H pylori-negative group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:H pylori infection should be considerecd in the treatment of AITP patients with H pylori infection.

Clinical Case: About a Probable Case of Post-Transfusion Purpura in a Homozygous Sickle Cell

Alloimmunization to platelet antigens exposes to a serious immunological incident. We report a probable case of a post-transfusion purpura from homozygous sickle cell child alloimmunized against platelet antigen. We detail the challenges of alloantibody identification and transfusion management. These challenges are due to the lack of laboratory techniques for typing HLA and HPA system and the use of leukocyte-depleted (filtered) blood products.

Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Young Female with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Unusual Course)

We present a case of a 29-year-old female from Sudan, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2005 and with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in 2009. The ITP immediately followed using, for four weeks, a combination of medications that included rifampicin. The platelets count continued to be low thereafter. During the year following her diagnosis with ITP, she reported gradual improvement in her joints symptoms, which continued during her pregnancy in 2011. Following puerperium, her chronic ITP resolved completely;however, her joint disease flared up few months later. To our knowledge, there are no reported cases of chronic ITP, which were drug induced at first in a patient of RA except with gold therapy. Similarly, there are no reports on cases that recovered from chronic ITP after delivery. Finally, this case highlights the impact different coexisting autoimmune diseases may have on each other regarding course and prognosis.

Plasma thrombopoietin levels in patients with aplastic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of thrombopoietin (TPO) in the pathology of chronic thrombocytopenic disease. METHODS: We measured the endogenous plasma concentration of TPO in 40 patients with acquired aplastic anaemia (AA) and in 32 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) by a sensitive Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared the results. RESULTS: Plasma TPO concentrations were significantly higher in AA patients (774 +/- 393 pg/ ml) in comparison with healthy control subjects (55 +/- 34 pg/ml, P 0.05). There was also no relationship between their plasma TPO levels and platelet counts. CONCLUSIONS: TPO levels may be regulated not only by platelets but also by megakaryocytes in AA and ITP, and measurement of TPO levels is useful for diagnosing thrombocytopenia and understanding the pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia.

Polarization and Apoptosis of T Cell Subsets in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

It is well-known that idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura （ITP） is an acquired organ-specific autoimmune hemorrhagic disease and dysfunctional cellular immunity is considered important in the pathophysiology of ITP. However, polarization patterns and apoptosis profiles of T lymphocytes remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the polarization of T cell subsets, the expressions of apoptotic proteins Fas/FasL on the subsets and the level of anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 and bax mRNA. It was demonstrated that the ratios of Thl/Th2 and Tcl/Tc2 in ITP children were increased obviously and that the average percentages were increased clearly for Thl and Th2, but not for Tcl and Tc2. In ITP children, the enhancing expressions were detected for FasL on Thl and Tcl and for Fas on Th2 and Tc2. With increasing level of bcl-2 mRNA and decreasing expression of bax mRNA in ITP children, the ratio of bcl-2/bax mRNA was improved obviously, which was positive correlated with the ratio of Thl/Th2. Taken together, our findings indicate that ITP is a Thl predominant disease. This polarization pattern of T cell subsets might be related to the high ratio of bcl-2/bax mRNA and the abnormal expressions of Fas and FasL on T cell subsets.

Long-term outcomes of combined chemotherapy in chronic refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Adult idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura （ITP） is a .chronic acquired organ-specific autoimmune hemorrhagic disease characterized by the production of auto-antibodies against antigens on the membranes of platelet, resulting in enhanced Fc-mediated destruction of the platelets by macrophages in the reticuloendothelial 1-3 system. Splenectomy remains the best treatment of chronic ITP, but approximately 30% of patients do not respond or relapse after surgery;4-6 these patients are defined as patients with chronic refractory ITE There is no consensus on an appropriate sequence of treatments for patients with chronic refractory ITE79 Management of these patients remains a dilemma. We have treated 31 patients with chronic refractory ITP using low dose combination chemotherapy between 1994 and 2005, and the results are presented as follows.