The role of serum interleukin-10 level in pediatric idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Background Primary immune thrombocytopenia pupura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder caused by both increased peripheral platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. The main mechanism of thrombocytopenia is the production of autoantibodies against platelet-membrane glycoproteins. Alterations in the blood levels of cytokines and chemokines in ITP patients, including the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10, were previously documented. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate serum IL-10 level in ITP patients and its clinical significance. Patients and methods This prospective case–control study was conducted in the Clinical Pathology Department on 40 children with ITP equally divided into acute and chronic groups who were admitted to Pediatric Department – Tanta University. Twenty healthy children of matched age and sex served as the control group. Results Serum IL-10 levels were significantly higher in patients with acute ITP compared with patients with chronic ITP and healthy controls. Splenectomy was statistically significantly higher in the study group than control group, as well as rash and epistaxis. There was a significant negative correlation between IL-10 level and platelets, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in acute ITP group. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between IL-10 level and platelet count but a significant positive correlation with creatinine in chronic ITP group. Conclusion The higher levels of IL-10 found at the onset of ITP in patients with acute disease emphasize the role of this cytokine in immunotolerance, besides providing a promising indicator of the clinical progression of the disease.