Overview and methods for determination of antiplatelet antibodies and thrombocyte antigens
Tomicić, M.; Hundrić-Haspl, Z.; Grgicević, D.
Lijecnicki Vjesnik 124(10): 315-319
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-3477 PMID: 12619442 Document Number: 540912
The last twenty years have been characterized by great interest in the study of the role of antiplatelet antibodies and platelet antigens in the mechanism of thrombocytopenia. The use of numerous serologic methods for the determination of antiplatelet antibodies has contributed to the better understanding and differential diagnosis of immunologically induced thrombocytopenias. Development of the methods of molecular biology has allowed for a more accurate determination of platelet antigens and assessment of the prevalence of particular antigens in the population. These concepts have improved the possibilities of evaluation of particular antigenic systems in the genesis of auto- and alloimmune thrombocytopenic syndromes. Although majority of tests for determination of antiplatelet antibodies were initially introduced for antibody demonstration in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, these methods are now employed for all diseases associated with platelet impairments, when an immunologic pathomechanism of the disease onset is suspected. The methods are mostly used in serodiagnosis of neonatal thrombocytopenic purpura, posttransfusion purpura and refractoriness to platelet transfusion, and primary and secondary autoimmune thrombocytopenia.