Assessment of Serum Thyroglobulin Antibodies in Children with Immune Thrombocytopenia

Assessment of Serum Thyroglobulin Antibodies in Children with Immune ThrombocytopeniaAbstract Background: Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) presents as purpura and haemorrhagic episodes due to antiplatelet autoantibodies, leading to platelet destruction. Thyroid dysfunction is associated with autoimmune diseases, including ITP, and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb) may play a role in its pathogenesis.Objectives: To evaluate the potential of serum Thyroglobulin Antibodies TgAb as a diagnostic biomarker for ITP in paediatric patients.Methods: A case-control study was conducted in the Hematology Department at Eltadamon Hospital from March to August 2024. It included 75 children divided into two groups: 50 with ITP and 25 healthy controls, matched for age and sex. Investigations included complete blood count using a SYSMEX XS-series automated hematology analyzer. Serum TgAb levels were measured using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay at Biochemistry department faculty of medicine, Suez Canal University.Results: The ITP group had a significantly lower median platelet count [132(119–153) vs. 307.0 (248.0–367.0), p < 0.001] but no significant differences in Hb or WBCs. Median serum TgAb levels were [0.5 IU/mL (0.3–0.9)] in the ITP group and [0.4 IU/mL (0.3–0.7)] in the control group (p = 0.165). ROC analysis with a cutoff value of ≥0.43 IU/mL showed low diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.59, p = 0.165), sensitivity of 59.2%, and specificity of 56%.Conclusions: Our study confirmed that ITP patients have a normal level of TgAb compared with the healthy pediatric population; Our findings suggest that TgAb screening may not be prognostic for ITP in pediatric population.