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Updated: May 14, 2026
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Decreased mean platelet volume in children with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis
Emin Mete1, Ahmet Zulfikar Akelma, Mehmet Nevzat Cizmeci
1Department of Pediatrics, Fatih University Medical School , Ankara , Turkey.
Background:
The contribution of platelets to the inflammatory response via several platelet derived mediators is well recognized. The role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in infectious and inflammatory disorders, however, has not yet been well-established. While some of the previous studies demonstrated that MPV acted as a positive acute phase reactant, several others suggested its role as a negative acute phase reactant. In the current study, we aimed to assess the role of MPV as an acute phase reactant in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Methods:
We undertook a prospective, randomized, controlled, cross-sectional study and enrolled children diagnosed with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis and healthy controls (HC), between August and November 2012. Children with acute gastroenteritis were assigned either in the rotavirus-positive acute gastroenteritis (RPAG) or in the rotavirus-negative acute gastroenteritis (RNAG) group depending on their stool antigen results. Patients were also classified into two groups based on their Vesikari score (< 11: non-severe and ≥ 11: severe). Complete blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were assessed for all patients. We compared MPV between RPAG, RNAG and HC groups and investigated the association, if any, among MPV, platelets, white blood count and CRP.
Results:
In total 100 RPAG (54 males; mean age: 38.74 ± 41.45 months), 100 RNAG (58 males; mean age: 32.84 ± 29.64 months) children and 100 HC (43 males; mean age: 33.21 ± 32.55 months) were enrolled into the study. Mean platelet counts were well-matched among groups (p > 0.05). We observed a steady decline in MPV (fL) in the HC, RPAG and RNAG groups (median 7.80, 7.35 and 7.30, respectively; p < 0.0001). We did not find an association between MPV and the clinical score of gastroenteritis (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
We found that MPV could be used as an acute phase reactant in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis. We believe that the current study will contribute to our understanding of MPV as an inflammatory marker.
Insights
Mean platelet volume (MPV) declines in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis, indicating its potential role as an acute phase reactant. This study highlights MPV as an inflammatory marker in pediatric gastroenteritis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Inflammatory Markers
Background:
- Platelets contribute to inflammation through various mediators.
- The role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in inflammatory disorders is not well-established, with conflicting evidence on its status as a positive or negative acute phase reactant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MPV as an acute phase reactant in children diagnosed with rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- To compare MPV levels in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, controlled, cross-sectional study involving children with rotavirus gastroenteritis and healthy controls.
- Classification of patients into rotavirus-positive acute gastroenteritis (RPAG), rotavirus-negative acute gastroenteritis (RNAG), and healthy control (HC) groups.
- Assessment of complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and MPV, with comparison across groups and investigation of associations with clinical scores and other blood parameters.
Main Results:
- A total of 100 RPAG, 100 RNAG, and 100 HC children were enrolled.
- Mean platelet counts were comparable across all groups.
- A significant decline in MPV was observed in both RPAG and RNAG groups compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001).
- No association was found between MPV and the clinical severity score of gastroenteritis.
Conclusions:
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) functions as an acute phase reactant in pediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- The findings contribute to understanding MPV's role as an inflammatory marker in infectious diseases.
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