Initial Lymphocyte Counts Predictive Value in Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction and decreased platelet number ( Cooper N et all 2006) platelet surface membrane proteins become antigenic for unknown reasons, leading to stimulation of the immune system, auto antibodies production and platelet destruction ( Gasbarrini A et all 2000) It is associated with the production of auto antibodies directed against platelet glycoprotein complex 2b/3a and/or 1b/1x , resulting in accelerated destruction of platelets by the reticular endothelial system via the activity of Fcc receptor bearing phagocytic cells ( Provan & Newland et al 2002) Recent studies have demonstrated that the pathogenesis of ITP envolves multifactorial autoimmune mechanisms of both humoral and cellular immunity and that acute and chronic forms may represent two distinct immunopathological disorders ( Cooper N et al 2006) ( Gern Sheimer T 2009)

There are many phases of the disease:

1. Newly diagnosed ITP : for all cases at diagnosis.
2. persistent ITP: for patients with ITP between 3 to 12 months.
3. chronic ITP: for patients with ITP lasting more than one year ( blood journal 2009).

• Although lymphocytopenia is a commonly reported feature of many chronic autoimmune disorders, differential white cell counts at presentation have seldom been evaluated as predictors for development of chronic ITP ( Deel MD et al 2013) (Ahmed et al 2010)