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Updated: Sep 30, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Elevated levels of platelet microparticles are associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
E A J Knijff-Dutmer1, J Koerts, R Nieuwland
1Medisch Spectrum Twente, PO Box 50000, 7500 KA Enschede, The Netherlands. eaknijff@hotmail.com
Objective:
Platelets are involved in various thrombotic events, often by means of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs). It is likely that platelets are also involved in inflammation. Because inflammatory processes play a central role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we sought to determine whether PMPs are present in this disease.
Methods:
This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 19 RA patients and 10 healthy controls. Nine of the patients had active RA (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] > or =28 mm/hour and/or C-reactive protein [CRP] level > or =28 mg/liter, > or =9 painful joints, and > or =6 swollen joints), and 10 had inactive disease (ESR < or =27 mm/hour, CRP < or =27 mg/liter, no tender joints, and no swollen joints). Platelet counts and PMP numbers were determined using cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively.
Results:
Platelet counts in the 3 groups were similar. However, levels of PMPs in RA patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (median 616 versus 118 x 10(6)/liter; P = 0.005). PMP levels were higher in patients with active RA than in those with inactive RA (median 2,104 versus 504 x 10(6)/liter; P > 0.05). Moreover, PMP levels correlated with disease activity (r = 0.67, P = 0.05).
Conclusion:
PMPs are associated with RA, and PMP levels are correlated with disease activity. Thus, platelets probably play a part in the inflammatory process of RA by means of PMPs. Given the importance of PMPs in cardiovascular diseases, this may be one reason for the enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in RA.
Insights
Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) are elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and correlate with disease activity. This suggests PMPs contribute to RA inflammation and associated cardiovascular risks.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Immunology
- Hematology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Platelets and their derived microparticles (PMPs) are implicated in thrombotic events.
- Inflammatory processes are central to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- The role of PMPs in RA pathogenesis remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and levels of PMPs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To determine the association between PMP levels and RA disease activity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 19 RA patients (active and inactive disease) and 10 healthy controls.
- Quantification of PMP levels using flow cytometry.
- Assessment of RA disease activity using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and joint counts.
Main Results:
- PMP levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to healthy controls (median 616 vs. 118 x 10^6/liter).
- PMP levels were elevated in active RA patients versus inactive RA patients (median 2,104 vs. 504 x 10^6/liter).
- A significant correlation was observed between PMP levels and RA disease activity (r = 0.67, P = 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Platelet-derived microparticles are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- PMP levels positively correlate with RA disease activity.
- PMPs may contribute to the inflammatory processes in RA and potentially explain the increased cardiovascular morbidity in RA patients.
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