Role of plasma thrombopoietin level in thrombocytopenia of postoperative biliary atresia patients

Abstract

Background/Purpose: To evaluate if thrombocytopenia may be related to plasma thrombopoietin level (P-TPO) in postoperative biliary atresia (BA). Methods: Forty-three postoperative BA patients aged 1 to 20 years were included. P-TPO was measured by enzyme immunoassay. P-TPO was compared with platelet counts (Plt), Child's classification, presence of splenomegaly, and liver function tests. Results: P-TPO significantly correlated with Plt, child's classification, serum albumin, and cholinesterase level, respectively. In 4 patients undergoing portal decompression procedure, preoperative and postoperative Plt and P-TPO were 87.5 ± 69.1 × 103 and 50.3 ± 28.0, 118.8 ± 62.3 × 103/mm3, and 53.0 ± 55.0 pg/mL, respectively, without significant difference. In 6 patients undergoing liver transplantation (LTx), Plt and P-TPO after LTx was 157.5 ± 83.5 × 103 and 143.5 ± 75.2, respectively, which were significantly higher than those before LTx (55.0 ± 15.6 × 103/mm3 and 53.2 ± 32.9 pg/mL). Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia in postoperative BA may be caused by decreased plasma TPO level in accordance with the severity of liver dysfunction rather than hypersplenism. J Pediatr Surg 37:1195-1199. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.