English 
Italian CASI CLINICI – Case Reports
Volume:
Biochimica Clinica 2018; 42(3) e40-e42
Published on-line:
May 25, 2018
DOI:
10.19186/BC_2018.033
Utilità della determinazione della frazione delle piastrine immature nella diagnostica delle trombocitopenie autoimmuni
AUTHORS
USC SMeL Generale di Base - Analisi Chimico Cliniche, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII , Bergamo
ABSTRACT
Role of the determination of immature platelet fraction in the diagnosis of autoimmune thrombocytopenia
A 34 years old woman presented progressive severe thrombocytopenia, without major bleeding. The diagnostic tests for systemic lupus erythematosus, HIV infection and HCV infection, were negative. The platelet count was 9×109/L, with elevated immature platelet fraction (IPF). Bone marrow aspirate was normal; the final diagnosis was immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). ITP is an autoimmune disease characterized by low platelet count in the absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia. IPF is a parameter of Sysmex hematological analyzers that measures young platelets in peripheral blood. It is elevated in peripheral platelet destruction and it is low in hypoproliferative thrombocytopenias, making it useful in differential diagnosis. This case report demonstrates the utility of IPF in diagnosis, management and follow up of ITP.