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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Mean platelet volume in children with familial Mediterranean fever
Balahan Makay1, Zeynep Türkyilmaz, Erbil Unsal
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Dokuz Eylül University Hospital, Balçova 35340, Izmir, Turkey. balahan.bora@deu.edu.tr
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common inherited periodic fever syndrome characterized by recurrent episodes of serositis. Recently, a few studies have suggested that FMF is related to increased risk of atherosclerosis. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet activation. Larger platelets are associated with increased atherosclerosis risk. The aim of the study is to evaluate levels of MPV in pediatric FMF patients during and between attacks. The study consisted of 48 patients during an attack (group 1), 63 patients in attack-free period (at least 2 weeks after an attack, group 2), and 49 healthy controls (group 3). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, platelet count (PLT), and MPV levels were retrospectively recorded from the computerized patient database. Mean platelet volume was significantly lower in FMF patients during attack than in attack-free period (p = 0.00); however, there was no difference among attack-free patients and healthy controls (p = 0.38). The mean platelet counts of FMF patients during attack were higher than the healthy controls (p = 0.02). There was an inverse correlation between MPV and mean PLT in the attack-free period (r = -446, p = 0.01). This study suggests that an early atherosclerosis marker, MPV, is not elevated in pediatric FMF patients on colchicine treatment.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients had lower mean platelet volume (MPV) during attacks. However, MPV levels in attack-free FMF patients did not differ from healthy individuals, suggesting no increased atherosclerosis risk.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disorder causing recurrent serositis.
- Emerging evidence links FMF to an elevated risk of atherosclerosis.
- Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) indicates platelet activation and is associated with atherosclerosis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) levels in pediatric patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) during active disease flares and remission.
- To assess MPV as a potential marker for atherosclerosis risk in pediatric FMF.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MPV, platelet count (PLT), and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, WBC) in 48 pediatric FMF patients during attacks.
- Comparison of MPV levels in 63 FMF patients during attack-free periods and 49 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis to determine differences and correlations between MPV, PLT, and disease status.
Main Results:
- MPV was significantly lower in pediatric FMF patients during attacks compared to their attack-free periods (p=0.00).
- No significant difference in MPV was observed between FMF patients in attack-free periods and healthy controls (p=0.38).
- Mean platelet counts were higher in FMF patients during attacks than in controls (p=0.02), with an inverse correlation between MPV and PLT in the attack-free period (r=-0.446, p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric FMF patients on colchicine treatment do not exhibit elevated MPV levels, a marker of platelet activation and potential atherosclerosis risk, during attack-free periods.
- The findings suggest that FMF, particularly in pediatric patients on treatment, may not be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis as indicated by MPV.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between FMF, inflammation, platelet activation, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
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