Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is one of the most common congenital malformation
syndromes resulting from disrupted embryonic development of pharyngeal pouches. The
classical triad of symptoms described by Angelo DiGeorge is frequently accompanied
by hematological and immune disorders. While it is well-established that patients
with 22q11.2DS have an increased risk of recurrent autoimmune cytopenias, including
immune thrombocytopenia, the platelet abnormalities in this population are more complex
and multifaceted. Given this issue, we conducted a comprehensive literature review
on platelet disorders in 22q11.2DS using accessible databases (PubMed and Scopus).
We aimed to outline previous studies limitations and most urgent challenges concerning
thrombocytopenia in these patients. One characteristic finding frequently observed
in 22q11.2DS is mild macrothrombocytopenia caused presumably by the loss of one GP1BB allele, encoding the element of the GPIb–IX–V complex. This structure plays a central
role in thrombocyte adhesion, aggregation, and subsequent activation. Recent studies
suggest that defective megakaryopoiesis and impaired vasculogenesis may strongly influence
platelet and hemostasis disorders in 22q11.2DS. Furthermore, the phenotypic manifestation
may be modulated by epigenetic factors and gene expression modifiers located outside
the deletion region. Although the final hemorrhagic phenotype is typically mild, these
patients may require more frequent transfusions following major surgical procedures.
Despite the risk of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopathy, there is a lack of large-scale
research on hematological anomalies in 22q11.2DS, and the available results are often
inconclusive. Given the complexity of hemostatic disorders, it is essential to establish
specific recommendations for perioperative management and autoimmune cytopenias treatment
within this population.
Keywords
22q11.2 deletion syndrome - DiGeorge syndrome - inherited thrombocytopenia - immune
thrombocytopenia - Bernard–Soulier syndrome