Seetaram N.K.1, Gayatri B.H.2, Chandrashekhar Kachapur3, Shruti N. Kulkarni4
BACKGROUND
Platelet size, measured as mean platelet volume (MPV), is a marker of platelet
function and is positively associated with indicators of platelet activity, including
aggregation and release of thromboxane A2, platelet factor 4, and
thromboglobulin.1 Larger platelets are metabolically more active, produce more
prothrombotic factors, aggregate more easily & act as index of homeostasis and
its dysfunction thrombosis.2 The purpose of this study was to examine the
relationship between platelet indices and stroke, as well as its severity and
outcome.
METHODS
This was a prospective observational case control study. This study was conducted
with 105 non-diabetic, non-hypertensive ischemic stroke patients who had no
history of previous thrombotic events and who had not previously taken any
antiplatelet medications. These patients were examined within 24 hours of onset
of symptoms and severity of stroke was calculated by Canadian neurological scale
(CNS). The results were compared with 105 age and sex match controls.
RESULTS
Mean age of patients was 61.72 ± 12 and of controls was 62.85 ± 10.68. Based
on the CNS score, participants were allocated into two groups; the first group were
those who had a comprehension deficit (1st group, 43 patients) and the second
group were those without a comprehension deficit (2nd group, 62 patients). Mean
values for platelet distribution width (PDW) & MPV in 1st group was 18.329 and
12.55 respectively and in 2nd group was 16.98 and 11.48 respectively. The mean
value of PDW and MPV for stroke patients was 17.53 ± 0.76 and 11.92 ± 0.58 and
was significantly higher than mean value of PDW & MPV respectively in controls,
which were 15.47 ± 0.26 and 10.43 ± 0.23. PDW & MPV was found to be
significantly associated with severity of motor deficit.
CONCLUSIONS
Larger studies may be required to determine its utility in day-to-day clinical
practice. However, platelet indices can be used for predicting the severity of deficit
in patients of acute ischemic stroke.
