Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura – A Comparative Analysis of Clinico-Haematological Profile in Children and Adults

Authors

  • Sundas Ali, Shahzad Ali Jiskani, Aliena Sohail, Humaira Rizwan, Shakeel Ahmed Shaikh, Javera Taria

Abstract

Background& Objectives: Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that presents in acute or chronic forms and can cause various bleeding manifestations.  The acute form is frequently encountered in children; while the chronic form mainly affects adults. There are few differences and similarities in the clinical and hematological findings of the disease between children and adults. We aim to observe and compare these differences and similarities in these two groups of patients with ITP. 

Patients & Methods: In this study, we prospectively assessed the clinical and laboratory data of 80 cases presenting with thrombocytopenia, subsequently diagnosed as ITP. Patients were classified into two groups as children (less than 12 years) and adults (≥ 12 years). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, and results were compared between the two age groups.

Results: It was observed that the prevalence of childhood ITP was higher in males than females, and vice versa for adults. The symptoms at diagnosis included petechial rash, bruising, epistaxis, hematuria, gum and gastrointestinal bleeding. Post-traumatic intracranial bleed only occurred in 5% of the adult group. All-inclusive, 43.75% of ITP patients had history of infection and fever among whom 21 (52.5%) had childhood ITP and 14(35%) had adult ITP. The mean platelet count at presentation was 16,775/µl in children and 20,025/µl in adults. The mean duration of symptoms was 73±150.1 days in children and 135.1±357.5 days in adults. 32(80%) of children had acute ITP, 4(10%) had persistent ITP and 4(10%) had chronic ITP. Among adults, 33(82.5%) had acute ITP, 3(7.5%) had persistent ITP and 4(10%) had chronic ITP. Bone marrow showed increased megakaryocytes in majority patients in both groups.

Conclusion: Comparison of clinical and Haematological profile in childhood and adult ITP revealed various spectrums of parameters studied. Differences in the two groups were seen as regards the gender distribution, duration of symptoms, and the frequency of intracranial bleed.

Published

2021-08-02

How to Cite

Sundas Ali, Shahzad Ali Jiskani, Aliena Sohail, Humaira Rizwan, Shakeel Ahmed Shaikh, Javera Taria. (2021). Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura – A Comparative Analysis of Clinico-Haematological Profile in Children and Adults. Drugs and Cell Therapies in Hematology, 10(1), 1086–1098. Retrieved from http://www.dcth.org/index.php/journal/article/view/220

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