Thrombocytopenia of sepsis. The role of circulating IgG-containing immune complexes.
Platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG), circulating IgG-containing immune complexes (ICs), plasma beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG), and platelet factor 4 (PF-4) levels were assayed in 33 consecutive patients with culture-proved bacteremia. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 18%, and no correlation was seen between platelet count and PAIgG, beta-TG, or PF-4. In contrast, when patients were assigned to groups on the basis of rising or stable counts vs falling counts, a significant increase in the frequency of elevated PAIgG was seen in those with falling platelet counts. Elevated ICs did not correlate with PAIgG, platelet count, beta-TG, or PF-4. The results of this study of patients with uncomplicated bacteremia, although clearly demonstrating intravascular platelet activation and suggesting a pathologic role for elevated PAIgG, do not support the hypothesis that platelet-bound serum ICs are responsible for either phenomenon.
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D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000502:physiology*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D010976:Platelet Count; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000032:analysis; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin; D010978:Platelet Factor 4