Thromb Haemost 1997; 77(02): 289-293
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1655955
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Plasma Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor and P-Selectin Levels in Malaria-Associated Thrombocytopenia

S H Lee
1   The Division of Haematology, National University Hospital, Singapore
,
S Looareesuwan
2   Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok, Thailand
,
J Chan
1   The Division of Haematology, National University Hospital, Singapore
,
P Wilairatana
2   Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok, Thailand
,
S Vanijanonta
2   Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok, Thailand
,
S M Chong
3   Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore
,
B H Chong
4   Department of Haematology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 17 June 1996

Accepted after revision 08 October 1996

Publication Date:
10 July 2018 (online)

Summary

Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in malaria. In clinical trials, recombinant macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) causes a reversible, dose-dependent thrombocytopenia, and high M-CSF has been reported in autoimmune thrombocytopenias. P-selectin, which is secreted into the plasma following platelet/endothelial activation or damage, is elevated in certain consumptive thrombocytopenic disorders. The relationships between thrombocytopenia, M-CSF and P-selectin were analysed in 63 patients with severe (n = 13) or uncomplicated (n = 26) P. falciparum (PF) or P. vivax (PV) malaria (n = 24). On admission, 69% of PF patients and 75% of PV patients were thrombocytopenic (platelets < 150 X 109/1). M-CSF was elevated in PF (3021 ± 1844 pg/ml) and PV (2602 ± 1668 pg/ml) patients, compared to controls (589 ± 200 pg/ml). The platelet count was inversely correlated with M-CSF in PF (r = -0.681), and in PV malaria (r = -0.548). Elevated P-selectin was found in severe PF malaria, but not in PV malaria. Severe PF malaria was associated with marked thrombocytopenia, very high M-CSF, elevated P-selectin and compelling evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Platelet counts, M-CSF and P-selectin returned to control values in 7-14 days. These data suggest that elevated M-CSF in malaria, by enhancing macrophage activity, may result in increased macrophage-mediated platelet destruction. Further, platelet/endothelial activation or damage, as measured by P-selectin, or DIC could intensify thrombocytopenia in severe PF malaria, but does not appear to contribute to thrombocytopenia in uncomplicated PF or PV malaria.

 
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