Circulating microparticles: pathophysiology and clinical implications.

The genesis and role of microparticles, derived from platelets, endothelial cells and monocytes, in sepsis, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, TTP, aplastic anaemia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, and sickle cell disease have been well studied, and provide important insights into the underlying diseases.