pathogenicity of thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 in asthmatic children

The role of platelets and platelet specific proteins in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma was studied in 40 known asthmatic children [13 receiving antihistaminics, 14 on beta 2 agonists and /or theophyllines and 13 were given corticosteroids] as well as in 10 age and sex matched healthy children [controls]. Platelet aggregation test and estimation of platelet factor 4 [PF4] and beta- thromboglobulin [beta-TG] were performed to all subjects on day 0 of the study and 7 days later [after therapy]. PF4 and beta-TG were high in asthmatics on day 0 while the results of platelet aggregation were comparable to those of the control group. Moreover, PF4 and beta-TG were positively correlated to serum IgE level and the absolute eosinophilic count. After therapy [day 7], antihistaminics had no effect on PF4 and beta-TG but led to a reduction in platelet aggregation. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids led to significant reduction in PF4 and bete-TG accompanied by clinical improvement and had no effect on platelet aggregation. It was concluded that PF4 and beta-TG as sensitive indices of platelet activation are closely related to clinical improvement of asthma and may be used in the assessment of severity and response to therapy in asthmatic children