Platelet apoptosis in paediatric immune thrombocytopenia is ameliorated by intravenous immunoglobulin

To evaluate the role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in platelet apoptosis in paediatric immune thrombocytopenia, we investigated the platelets of 20 paediatric patients with acute immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), before and after IVIg treatment. Healthy children with platelet counts in the normal range and children with thrombocytopenia due to chemotherapy were enrolled as controls. All ITP patients presented with platelet counts <20 x 10(9)/l and bleeding symptoms. Markers of apoptosis, including activated caspase-3, -8 and -9, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, mitochondrial inner membrane potential (Delta Psi m), as well as platelet-derived microparticle formation, were analysed by flow cytometry. After IVIg treatment, platelet counts increased to >20 x 10(9)/l in all patients. ITP patients had significantly increased proportions of platelets with activated caspase-3, -8 and -9, with PS exposure, and with decreased Delta Psi m, and demonstrated increased microparticle formation. Except for Delta Psi m, these markers for apoptosis were reduced by IVIg treatment. Platelets of children with thrombocytopenia after chemotherapy also demonstrated increased microparticle formation and decreased Delta Psi m, but no activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9 or PS exposure. In conclusion, in acute paediatric ITP, enhanced platelet apoptosis is seen at diagnosis that normalizes after IVIg treatment.