Pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia associated with HIV infection in homosexual men. A preliminary report.
The pathophysiology of HIV associated immune thrombocytopenia (HIV-ITP) and its response to AZT was investigated. Using autologous 111Indium-labelled platelets, platelet kinetic were analysed in two patient groups. Group 1 (untreated) was comprised of 13 patients with HIV-ITP. Group 2 (AZT) was comprised of 6 patients with a history of HIV-ITP prior to starting AZT. These patients were studied following a rise in their platelet count on AZT. Platelet survivals in both groups were shortened compared to controls, however there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. However platelet turnover rates were significantly depressed in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (P less than 0.05) and control values (P less than 0.05). The platelet count correlated with platelet turnover in Group 1 but not in AZT treated patients. Thus patients with HIV-ITP appear to have both shortened survivals and suppressed platelet production. The mechanism of the latter is unknown, but the increased turnover rate seen with AZT suggests it is a direct or indirect effect of the HIV virus.
Ballem
P J
PJ
Canadian Red Cross BTS, Vancouver, B.C.
Belzberg
A
A
Devine
D
D
Doubroff
P
P
Mikulash
C
C
Spurston
B
B
Chambers
H
H
Sartori
C
C
Buskard
N
N
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015215:Zidovudine