The Importance of the Immature Platelet Count for Effectively Managing Immune Thrombocytopenia(ITP)Treatment and Assessing the Risk of Bleeding

• The Importance of the Immature Platelet Count for Effectively Managing Immune Thrombocytopenia(ITP)Treatment and Assessing the Risk of Bleeding

AUTHOR(S)

Sysmex Europe GmbH

SUMMARY

The immature platelet fraction (IPF)is a well-established haematological parameter and is defined as the percentage of newly released immature(or ‘reticulated’)platelets in relation to the total platelet count. It is well accepted that increased IPF values are likely to indicate hereditary, consumptive or recovering thrombocytopenic disorders whereas a normal-to-low IPF is seen in aplastic states. As such, IPF helps physicians differentiate between thrombocytopenia caused by platelet destruction/consumption and thrombocytopenia caused by compromised platelet production.

The immature platelet count (IPF#)is a new diagnostic parameter that specifically reflects the absolute number of newly produced immature platelets in peripheral blood. This means that the parameter is completely independent of the total platelet count and therefore not affected by platelet transfusions given to the patient.

When monitoring chronic ITP or predicting response to treatment, the absolute platelet count and immature platelet fraction are not sufficiently informative as thrombo-cytopenia in patients with chronic ITP is due to impaired platelet production as well as accelerated platelet destruction. The IPF# value can provide valuable information about the patient’s response to treatment, notably about which mechanism proves effective, as well as the risk of bleeding.

NOTE(S)

Design and specifications may be subject to change due to further product development.
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