Possible role of HLA B8 antigen as a genetic marker of autoimmune thrombocytopenia in a patient with myasthenia gravis

Very recently, Goebel et al. reported a highly significant association between HLA-B8 antigen and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP). This antigen was reported in ATP patients at least as frequently (70%) as positive tests for antiplatele antibody (65%). HLA-B8 might therefore be considered as a marker of specific immuneresponse genes which could selectively code for antiplatelet antibody activity. Goebel et al. suggested that individuals who have this specific phenotype run a higher risk of developing the disease if they are exposed to additionalcausal factors likely to trigger ATP. The presented case report strongly supports this suggstion.