Ex-vivo Th1/Th2 cytokine gene expression profiles in patients with ITP versus healthy pediatric controls.
PBMCs were isolated from the patients and controls and RNA was extracted immediately (ex vivo). RT-PCR was performed and the results were quantified and given as pixels/102 ± SEM (as described in “Patients, materials, and methods”). Panel A shows 14 healthy pediatric controls (left) and group 1 ITP patients P1 to P12 with first episode followed by stable remission (gray bars); Panel B shows group 2 ITP patients P13 to P16 with first episode followed by infrequent relapses triggered by viral infection (gray bars) and ITP patients P17 and P18 with first episode followed by frequent episodes occurring within periods of less than 1 month, regardless of infection, requiring continuous monitoring (black bars). Before Rx indicates at presentation; after Rx, 24 hours after IVIg therapy; follow-up, recall patients.
