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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Elevated platelet microparticle levels in valvular atrial fibrillation
1Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt. hanan.azzam@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Platelet activation occurs in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) and could be related to abnormal thrombogenesis. However, the plasma level of platelet microparticles (PMPs), a marker of platelet activation, in patients with valvular AF remains unresolved. We performed a case control study of 20 patients with chronic rheumatic MS and chronic long AF and 10 healthy volunteers who were in sinus rhythm. Peripheral plasma levels of PMP were assessed by quantifying CD41-positive microparticles by flow cytometry. The mitral valve area was calculated by means of the Doppler pressure half-time method. The levels of circulating PMP were elevated significantly in valvular AF patients when compared with controls (12.36+/-5.51 x 10(5)/ml versus 7.56+/-0.86 x 10(5)/ml, P=0.011). Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a significantly direct relationship between the severity of MS and PMP levels (r=-0.507, P=0.004). We conclude that in patients with rheumatic MS and AF, there is evidence of platelet activation detected by high PMP levels which have a significantly direct relationship with the severity of MS.
Insights
Platelet activation, indicated by elevated platelet microparticles (PMPs), is present in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation. Higher PMP levels correlate with increased mitral stenosis severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Thrombosis
Background:
- Platelet activation and abnormal thrombogenesis are implicated in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Plasma levels of platelet microparticles (PMPs), a marker of platelet activation, in patients with valvular AF are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma PMP levels in patients with chronic rheumatic MS and chronic AF.
- To determine the relationship between PMP levels, AF, and MS severity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 20 patients with rheumatic MS and AF, and 10 healthy controls in sinus rhythm.
- Quantification of circulating PMPs using flow cytometry (CD41-positive microparticles).
- Assessment of mitral valve area using the Doppler pressure half-time method.
Main Results:
- Circulating PMP levels were significantly elevated in valvular AF patients compared to controls (12.36±5.51 x 10^5/ml vs. 7.56±0.86 x 10^5/ml, P=0.011).
- A significant direct relationship was observed between MS severity and PMP levels (r=-0.507, P=0.004).
Conclusions:
- Patients with rheumatic MS and AF exhibit evidence of platelet activation, as indicated by elevated PMP levels.
- The severity of MS is directly related to the levels of circulating PMPs in these patients.
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