Platelet Autoantibody Testing for Immune Thrombocytopenia

Specificity was high, but sensitivity was low; thus, autoantibody testing may rule in but not rule out ITP.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is suspected when a patient's platelet count is <100×10⁹/L and other causes have been excluded. Unfortunately, there is no reliable diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis. However, because ITP involves autoantibody-mediated platelet destruction, a test that detects platelet autoantibodies might be useful in diagnosing the disorder.

To test this hypothesis, investigators conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies that included a total of 1170 patients with ITP and 225 controls without ITP. The analysis included studies that tested at least 20 patients for autoantibodies against the major platelet antigens GPIIbIIIa or GPIbIX, either directly on the platelet surface or indirectly in serum or p…

Reviewing Author

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Platelet Autoantibody Testing for Immune Thrombocytopenia

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Reviewing Author