Circulating Red Cell and Platelet Microparticles in Pediatric Non-transfusion Dependent Beta-thalassemia: A Case Control Study

Objectives: To evaluate the levels of circulating erythrocyte-derived microparticles (EMPs) and platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs)in children with non-transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (NTDT), and explore their contribution to hypercoagulability. Methods: This case-control study included 50 children diagnosed with NTDT and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The children were recruited from the hematology/oncology unit of Alexandria University Children’s Hospital, Egypt from November 2022 to May 2023. Results: The percentage of EMPs and PMPs was significantly higher in NTDT patients compared with healthy controls. Serum B-type natriuretic peptide was higher in NTDT patients compared to controls; however, it didn’t reach a statistical significance. Conclusions: The significantly higher levels of EMPs and PMPs in NTDT patients may contribute to the hypercoagulable state associated with the disease. Measurement of proB-type natriuretic peptide, though not statistically significant in this cohort, may hold potential as an early biomarker for pulmonary hypertension in NTDT patients, for which larger prospective studies are recommended.