The predictive value of regulatory T cells on glucocorticoid sensitivity in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: a multicentre, prospective clinical study

Glucocorticoids (GC) are used as the first-line treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but 10-20% patients insensitive to them. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can maintain tolerance in autoimmune diseases. The present research pooled 55 with newly diagnosed ITP and 44 healthy volunteers from seven hospitals. All received GC were divided into GC-sensitive GC-insensitive groups according curative effect after 2 weeks treatment. levels lymphocyte subgroups Tregs recorded. As results indicated, CD8+ CD25str+ group significantly higher than that (P = 0·005). optimal critical value distinguish sensitivity was 0·09%. With therapy level CD45RO+ /CD8+ (activated type) decreased 0·02) CD45RO- (initial increased slightly 0·11). There no obvious changes CD4+ Tregs. These findings support its have a predictive judging among ITP. Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn; ChiCTR-OON-17014165.