Anti-D immunoglobulin is a common front-line treatment for childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) that typically results in a rapid and significant increase in platelet count. Unpredictable treatment responses and interpatient variability limit more widespread use. We hypothesized that anti-D response variability is influenced by RHD gene zygosity and erythrocyte D antigen expression. We compared RHD zygosity and quantitative D antigen expression to anti-D treatment results. Hemizygous RHD subjects demonstrated significantly higher platelet increases and peak platelet counts than homozygous RHD subjects. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which RHD zygosity and D antigen expression affect platelet responses to anti-D immunoglobulin.
Keywords: RHD gene; anti-D immune globulin; hemolysis; immune thrombocytopenia.
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