Mean Platelet Volume is Reduced in Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

SUMMARYObjectivesAcute appendicitis (AA) is the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery, although it remains difficult to diagnose. In this study, we investigated the the clinical utility of mean platelet volume in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.MethodsThe medical records of 241 patients who had undergone appendectomy between June 2013 and March 2014 were investigated retrospectively. Sixty patients who had undergone at least one complete blood count during preoperative hospital admission and who had no other active inflammatory conditions at the time the sample was taken were included in the study. Mean platelet volume and leukocyte count values were determined in each patient at hospital admission and during active acute appendicitis. Age, sex, mean platelet volume and leukocyte counts were recorded for each patient.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 33.15±10.94 years and the male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The mean leukocyte count prior to acute appendicitis was 7.42±2.12×103/mm3. Mean leukocyte count was significantly higher (13.14±2.99×103/mm3) in acute appendicitis. The optimal leukocyte count cutoff point for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was 10.10×103/mm3, with sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 75%. The mean platelet volume prior to acute appendicitis was 7.58±1.11 fL. Mean platelet volume was significantly lower (7.03±0.8 fL) in acute appendicitis. The optimal mean platelet volume cutoff point for the diagnosis of AA was 6.10 fL, with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 42%. Area under the curve for leukocyte count diagnosis was 0.67 and 0.69 for the diagnosis of AA by mean platelet volume.ConclusionsMean platelet volume was significantly decreased in acute appendicitis. Mean platelet volume can be used as a supportive diagnostic parameter in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

The use of platelet indices, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width in emergency non-traumatic abdominal surgery: a systematic review

“…They found that MPV was significantly lower relative to non-diseased stages. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the optimal cut-off point for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was 6.10 fL, with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 42% ( 64 ).…”

Can mean platelet volume play a role in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis?

“…Increased MPV has been associated with the risk of thrombosis and observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction, acute cerebral ischemia, and transient ischemic attack[6-9]. High-grade inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease[10], ulcerative colitis[11], acute appendicitis[12-14], acute cholecystitis[15], chronic hepatitis B[16], rheumatoid arthritis and familial Mediterranean fever are characterized by small platelets, and disease remission is characterized by large platelets[7,17-19]. However, the relationship between MPV and AP remains unclear.…”

Diagnostic role of mean platelet volume in tonsillitis with and without peritonsillar abscess

“…8,9 While mean platelet volume has been reported to increase in some inflammatory conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and idiopathic sudden hearing loss, 10,11 it has been reported to decrease in acute appendicitis. 12 Appendicitis is an inflammatory process affecting the lymphoid tissues, and the pathological changes are similar to those occurring in tonsillitis. 13 Other inflammatory conditions with a low mean platelet volume include exacerbated asthma and acute rotavirus gastroenteritis.…”