Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Platelet Count and Plateletcrit (PCT) as predictors of
Zainab Mohammedi Golwala1, Hardik Shah1, Neeraj Gupta1
1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, St. Stephens Hospital, New Delhi.
Insights
Platelet indices like MPV/PCT and PDW/Platelet count can predict mortality in hospitalized children. These ratios accurately identified 65-67% of deaths in a recent study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Thrombocytopenia is a known predictor of mortality in hospitalized patients.
- Platelet indices may offer superior prognostic value compared to platelet count alone.
- This study focuses on pediatric patients aged one month to 14 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive capability of platelet count, plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) for mortality in hospitalized children.
- To assess the prognostic utility of various ratios derived from these platelet indices.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing children who died during hospitalization (cases) with age-matched survivors (controls).
- Analysis of the first blood sample collected post-admission.
- Utilized Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves to determine optimal thresholds and multiple regression analysis to identify independent predictors of mortality.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in platelet count, PCT, and several MPV/PCT and PDW/Platelet count ratios were observed between cases and controls.
- The ratios MPV/PCT, PDW/Platelet count, and MPV/Platelet count emerged as independent risk factors for mortality.
- Specific thresholds for MPV/PCT (41.8) and PDW/Platelet count (3.86) were associated with mortality in 67% of deceased patients, while MPV/Platelet count (>3.45) predicted mortality in 65%.
Conclusions:
- Platelet indices ratios, specifically MPV/PCT and PDW/Platelet count, are significant predictors of mortality in hospitalized children.
- These indices, assessed from the initial blood sample, demonstrate strong prognostic value, accurately identifying a substantial proportion of deaths.
Background:
Thrombocytopenia has been shown to predict mortality. We hypothesize that platelet indices may be more useful prognostic indicators. Our study subjects were children one month to 14 years old admitted to our hospital.
Aim:
To determine whether platelet count, plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) and their ratios can predict mortality in hospitalised children.
Methods:
Children who died during hospital stay were the cases. Controls were age matched children admitted contemporaneously. The first blood sample after admission was used for analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the best threshold for measured variables and the ratios studied. Multiple regression analysis was done to identify independent predictors of mortality.
Results:
Forty cases and forty controls were studied. Platelet count, PCT and the ratios of MPV/Platelet count, MPV/PCT, PDW/Platelet count, PDW/PCT and MPV × PDW/Platelet count × PCT were significantly different among children who survived compared to those who died. On multiple regression analysis the ratio of MPV/PCT, PDW/Platelet count and MPV/Platelet count were risk factors for mortality with an odds ratio of 4.31(95% CI, 1.69-10.99), 3.86 (95% CI, 1.53-9.75), 3.45 (95% CI, 1.38-8.64) respectively. In 67% of the patients who died MPV/PCT ratio was above 41.8 and PDW/Platelet count was above 3.86. In 65% of patients who died MPV/Platelet count was above 3.45.
Conclusion:
The MPV/PCT, PDW/Platelet count and MPV/Platelet count, in the first sample after admission in this case control study were predictors of mortality and could predict 65% to 67% of deaths accurately.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution