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Published on: February 4, 2021
Relationship between platelet indices and aortic valve sclerosis
Murat Sucu1, Vedat Davutoglu, Ibrahim Sari
1Department of CardiologyGaziantep University, Medical FacultyGaziantep, Turkey. sucu@gantep.edu.tr
Insights
Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is linked to higher mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Further research is needed to explore antithrombotic therapies for AVS patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Pathology
Background:
- Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) involves aortic valve thickening, similar to atherosclerotic coronary heart disease.
- AVS is a progressive condition without significant valve narrowing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between AVS and key platelet indices: mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet count.
- To compare platelet indices in patients with and without AVS.
Main Methods:
- A study included 210 patients, with 150 diagnosed with AVS and 60 in the control group.
- Echocardiography was used for evaluation, and MPV, PDW, and platelet counts were measured.
- Patient groups were compared based on AVS presence, demographic data, and risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.
Main Results:
- Patients with AVS showed significantly higher MPV (9.56 ± 1.3 fL vs. 9.15 ± 1.0 fL, P = .022) and PDW (16.9 ± 2.3% vs. 14.9 ± 2.3%, P = .001).
- No significant differences were observed in white blood cell or platelet counts between the groups.
- The AVS group had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking.
Conclusions:
- Platelet production indices, specifically MPV and PDW, are elevated in patients with AVS.
- The intricate connection between increased platelet indices and AVS warrants further investigation.
- The potential efficacy of antithrombotic therapies in managing AVS requires additional research.
Objective:
Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is a progressive disease that is characterized by aortic valve thickening without causing significant narrowing and in which pathology resembles atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between AVS and platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution weight (PDW), and platelet count.
Method:
Two hundred ten patients who were evaluated in the echocardiography unit due to various reasons between January and October 2008 were consecutively included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to presence or absence of AVS. The patient group consisted of 150 patients (76 females and 74 males; mean age, 64.5 + or - 11.5 years). Patients without AVS (24 females and 36 males; mean age, 49.8 + or - 15.7 years) were assigned as control group. The MPV, PDW, and platelet count were measured.
Results:
The MPV (9.56 + or - 1.3 fL vs 9.15 + or - 1.0 fL, P = .022) and PDW (16.9 + or - 2.3% vs 14.9 +/- 2.3, P = .001) were significantly higher in patients with AVS (+) compared to the AVS (-) group. No significant difference was demonstrated between the groups in terms of white blood cell and platelet counts (P > .05). When the AVS (+) group was compared to the AVS (-) group, a significant difference was found in respect of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking status.
Conclusion:
Platelet production indices including MPV and PDW were increased in patients with AVS. The complex interrelationship between increased platelet production indices and AVS and value of antithrombotic therapies in patients with AVS need to be evaluated in further studies.
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