Gut Microbiota Pattern in Children and Adolescents with Newly Diagnosed
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia
Abstract
Background: Autoimmune diseases might be linked to changes in
gut microbiota. We studied microbiota pattern in newly diagnosed
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia (N-ITP) to report possible alteration of gut
microbiota in N-ITP and impact on disease course. Methods:
Fifty children with N-ITP aged 2-15 years and 30 control were assessed,
for 7 specific microbiota genera in stool using real time PCR within the
1st week of presentation prior to therapy. Bleeding assessment tool and
CBC were done initially, followed-up regularly for 3 months.
Results: Most N-ITP cases had received steroids initially when
indicated, early use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in 10% and
Eltrombopag was used in 20% of cases. Three quarters (n=38) of patients
showed early remission. Three strains were only detected in ITP cases
and absent in control group. Bifidobacterium spp. was significantly less
in patient group, but in contrast was relatively higher in patients who
progressed to persistent ITP (P-ITP). Lactobacillus and
Phascolarctobacterium were significantly higher in patient group and the
former was significantly highest in patients who showed early remission
while Eubacterium was significantly higher in patients who continued as
P-ITP than those who showed early remission. Lachnospiracceae was only
detected in patients who showed early remission. Bacteroides was not
detected neither in patients nor control. Conclusion: Gut
microbiota was different in children with N-ITP, with significant
difference between those with early remission and persistent ITP which
might help to predict the disease course and might have an impact on ITP
treatment in future.