FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genetic polymorphisms in a group of pediatric immune thrombocytopenic purpura in Egypt

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder caused by the production of antiplatelet antibodies. The current case-control study aimed at detecting the frequency of Fc gamma RIIa-131H/R and Fc gamma RIIIa-158F/V genes polymorphism in Egyptian children with ITP as genetic markers for ITP risk, and to clear out their possible role in choosing the treatment protocols of ITP. To achieve this aim, Fc gamma RIIa genotyping was tested by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique, whereas Fc gamma RIIIa genotyping was tested by nested PCR followed RFLP analysis. The current case-control study was conducted on 92 children with ITP; 12 acute and 80 chronic cases and 90 controls. The V allele and Fc gamma RIIIa FV heterotype were significantly higher in ITP patients and conferred increased ITP risk [odds ratio (OR) = 1.96 and 2.55, respectively]. The frequency of FcgRIIa H allele was significantly higher among chronic ITP patients. In conclusion, Fc gamma RIIIa gene polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to ITP. Moreover, analysis of the Fc gamma R polymorphisms in ITP patients could influence the effectiveness of medications and selection of the line of treatment. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 23: 64-68 (C) 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.