Pseudotrombocitopenia dependiente de EDTA

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia is the find of a low platelet count in blood samples anticoagulated with ethylendiaminetetraacetic-acid (EDTA) and analyses in automated cell counters due to the in vitro formation of platelet clumps. This phenomenon is uncommon among the paediatric population. It?s important to identify because it has no clinical relevance and can prevent unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Patient and methods. A 13-year-old girl was brought into our Hospital for the study of thrombocytopenia without clinical signs of haemorrhage. The initial platelet count was 77x109/L. The blood smears examination showed numerous platelet clumps. The platelet count in blood anticoagulated with citrate was normal, that confirm the diagnostic of EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia. Discussion. EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia is caused by the formation of platelet clumps caused by IgG, IgM or IgA antibodies against the cytoadhesive receptor of platelet GpIIb/IIIa after the change in its conformational structure in presence of EDTA, that lead to the exposure of a neoantigen.