Assessment of Circulating Red Cell and Platelet Microparticles Levels in Children with Non-Transfusion Dependent Beta-Thalassemia

Background: Elevated circulating microparticles (MPs) have been hypothesized to be responsible for thromboembolic events (TEEs) in thalassemia patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the circulating red cell and platelet microparticle levels in children with non-transfusion dependent Beta-thalassemia (NTDT) and its possible role in thromboembolic events. Methods: Fifty NTDT children from Alexandria University Children's Hospital and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled in this study. CBC, LDH, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), D-dimer. Serum levels of erythrocyte microparticles (EMPs) and platelet microparticles (PMPs) were measured by flow cytometry and serum B-type natriuretic peptide (NT- pro-BNP) levels were measured. Results: Serum levels of EMPs and PMPs were significantly elevated in NTDT patients compared to healthy controls. Mean serum ferritin levels and mean sTfR levels were significantly higher in patients than in control. Twelve percent of our cases were splenectomized. Splenectomized patients had significantly higher platelet count, PMPs level, and serum ferritin level than non-splenectomized counterparts—no statistically significant difference in NT- proBNP level between patients and controls. Conclusions: our study demonstrated the presence of elevated levels of EMPs and PMPs in NTDT patients compared to the control group. Splenectomized patients had higher platelet count, PMP levels, and serum ferritin levels. So, assessing EMPs and PMPs might provide efficacy in theearly detection of thromboembolic complications.