Clinical value of a direct platelet suspension immunofluorescence test in adult idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
109 adult patients with ITP were tested with the direct platelet suspension immunofluorescence test (PSIFT) for platelet-associated immunoglobulins (PAIg). 88 patients (81%) had a positive direct PSIFT. The mean platelet level at the time of the test was 45.2 X 10(9)/l [corrected] (SD = 28.8) with no difference between PSIFT-positive and -negative groups. The results of direct PSIFT were of limited value in predicting patient outcome. The overall better prognosis of patients with a negative direct PSIFT compared to those with a positive result was statistically significant. The PSIFT negatives achieved complete remission more often than PSIFT positives; and they also showed a tendency for a better response to splenectomy and therapy with high-dose i.v.Ig. Moreover, all the 21 patients refractory to therapy with corticosteroids, splenectomy or i.v.Ig, were PAIg positives.
Finnish Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Helsinki, Finland.
U K
UK
Nieminen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M