Serum Fetuin B (FETUB) in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia, insight on diagnosis, and response to treatment

Abstract Background Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) represents an autoimmune disorder defined by a dual mechanism of accelerated platelet clearance and compromised thrombopoiesis. Reliable biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response prediction remain limited. Objective To measure serum level of Fetuin B (FETUB) in patients diagnosed with primary immune thrombocytopenia and assess its diagnostic value and correlation to the response to treatment with corticosteroid. Methodology A total of 60 adult subjects with primary ITP were enrolled in this study (30 steroid responders and 30 steroid resistant) and 20 matched healthy controls. Serum Fetuin-B level was measured using ELISA. Results Serum Fetuin-B concentrations were found to be significantly elevated in ITP patients relative to the control group ( p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using ROC analysis, which yielded superior results (AUC = 0.992, sensitivity = 95%, specificity = 100% at 7.8 ng/mL cutoff). But no significant predictive value for the response to the treatment. Conclusion Elevated Fetuin-B in adult patients with ITP supporting its diagnostic value, and its role as a novel biomarker of immune dysregulation.