Abstract
The haptoglobin (Hp) is a group of mucoproteins belonging to the alpha-2 globulin which is characterized by a pronounced affinity for hemoglobin (Hb) and its level in serum is abnormal in diseases accompanied by inflammatory, neoplastic, hepatocellular or hemolytic changes.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the serum Hp level before and after splenectomy in hereditary spherocytosis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and to clarify the clinical significance of serum haptoglobin, which was measured by the single radial immunodiffusion method.
The results were as follows.
1. In 19 patients with various blood diseases, one hereditary spherocytosis, one paroxysmal noctural hemoglobinuria and 4 idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura were ahaptoglobinemic. And one hemophilia, one allergic purpura and one aplastic anemia were hypohaptoglobinemic.
2. In one hereditary spherocytosis with ahaptoglobinemia, the serum Hp level was raised within 24 hours after splenectomy. This evidence may indicate that the main field of hemolysis in this disease is the spleen and the absence of Hp is a result of the consumption of Hp and not of the failure of synthesis.
3. In 4 idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with ahaptoglobinemia, the serum Hp returned to the normal level within 3∼7 days after splenectomy, but in 3 of 4 cases platelet counts did not increase. The splenectomy in these cases should be carefully considered.
4. There may be a significant correlation between serum Hp and histological findings of spleen.
