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RHD zygosity predicts degree of platelet response to anti‐D immune globulin treatment in children with immune thrombocytopenia
Author(s) -
Despotovic Jenny M.,
McGann Patrick T.,
Smeltzer Matthew,
Aygun Banu,
Ware Russell E.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.24574
Subject(s) - zygosity , medicine , immunology , platelet , immune system , antibody , immune thrombocytopenia , antigen , biology , genetics
Anti‐D immunoglobulin is a common front‐line treatment for childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) that typically results in a rapid and significant increase in platelet count. Unpredictable treatment responses and interpatient variability limit more widespread use. We hypothesized that anti‐D response variability is influenced by RHD gene zygosity and erythrocyte D antigen expression. We compared RHD zygosity and quantitative D antigen expression to anti‐D treatment results. Hemizygous RHD subjects demonstrated significantly higher platelet increases and peak platelet counts than homozygous RHD subjects. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which RHD zygosity and D antigen expression affect platelet responses to anti‐D immunoglobulin. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:E106–E108. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.