Pathogenetic and prognostic significance of circulating immuno complexes, immunoglobulins and complement-4 in childhood itp

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the role of circulating immune complexes [CIC], immunoglobulins and complement-4 [C4] in the pathogenesis and the prognosis of childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP]; 45 children with ITP [35 acute ITP, and 10 chronic ITP] aged 2-13 years as well as 15 healthy children as controls were studied. It was concluded that circulating immune complexes, immunoglobulins G and M and C4 had a role in the pathogenesis of ITP. Factors which might predict chronicity of ITP were older age at onset >7 years, preceding illness >4 weeks, lymphocyte count <20%, polymorphs count >60%, megakaryocyte count 2-6% and CIC level >60% I