Thrombocytopenia in HIV, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Vasculitis and Toxic Bone Marrow Injury: An Etiologic Entity ? Results of a Comparative Study

34 patients with clinical symptomatology of disturbance in platelet turnover were investigated using In-111-labeled autologous platelets. Platelet kinetics were determined using mathematical algorithms. In HIV associated thrombocytopenia, a decreased platelet production was found together with a shortened survival of platelets. In ITP, the diminished survival was predominant, while in toxic bone marrow injury, the platelet production was compromised. Patients with vasculitis presented with enhanced platelet production.