Effect of splenectomy on platelet antibodies and serum immunoglobulins in schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT

The preset trial was carried out to detect the presence of platelet antibodies and to assess serum immunoglobulins in schistosomiasis before and after splenectomy. The study included 50 male cases with schistosomal hepatosplenomegaly and 10 normal male subjects as controls. Splenectomy was performed in 10 cases showing evidences of hypersplenism. Moderate thrombocytopenia was observed in all schistosomal cases. Platelet antibodies were detected in 30% of schistosomal cases associated with marked thrombocytopenia. Serum immunoglobulin G and M were significantly increased in bilharzial patients as compared to controls, which was more pronounced in respect to IgG in cases having platelet antibodies. Following splenectomy, significant increase of platelet count and significant reduction of platelet antibodies were found without any associated changes in serum immunoglobulins. Results were fully discussed