FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genetic polymorphisms in a group of pediatric immune thrombocytopenic purpura in Egypt

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disorder caused by the production of antiplatelet antibodies. The current case-control study aimed at detecting the frequency of FcγRIIa-131H/R and FcγRIIIa-158F/V genes polymorphism in Egyptian children with ITP as genetic markers for ITP risk, and to clear out their possible role in choosing the treatment protocols of ITP. To achieve this aim, FcγRIIa genotyping was tested by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique, whereas FcγRIIIa genotyping was tested by nested PCR followed RFLP analysis. The current case-control study was conducted on 92 children with ITP; 12 acute and 80 chronic cases and 90 controls. The V allele and FcγRIIIa FV heterotype were significantly higher in ITP patients and conferred increased ITP risk [odds ratio (OR) = 1.96 and 2.55, respectively]. The frequency of FcγRIIa H allele was significantly higher among chronic ITP patients. In conclusion, FcγRIIIa gene polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to ITP. Moreover, analysis of the FcγR polymorphisms in ITP patients could influence the effectiveness of medications and selection of the line of treatment.