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Association between mean platelet volume and severity of rheumatoid arthritis
Jamileh Moghimi1,2, Farahnaz Ghahremanfard2, Maryam Salari2
1Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
Introduction:
In recent years, it is suggested that platelet histogram indices, such as mean platelet volume (MPV) may be related to the activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to assess relationship between MPV and activity of rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods:
Sixty consecutive patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA were recruited from the rheumatology outpatient clinics in Semnan, Iran. Current disease activity score (DAS-28 score) was assessed at baseline, 2 months and 4 months after the admission time and beginning of the treatment schedule. Complete blood count (including MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP) and ESR were measured in each visit. MPV was analyzed by the Cell Dyne 3500 automated blood cell counter.
Results:
There was a significant reduction in DAS-28 score within 4 months of total assessment (from 4.47 ± 2.24 versus 3.18 ± 1.55) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MPV levels at the three study time points. No significant correlations were observed between the DAS-28 score and mean MPV levels at the same time points. The rate of positive CRP was decreased within the same period (p = 0.002); however, the trend of the changes in other laboratory parameters including MPV, platelet count and ESR values was not significant. The measurement of MPV value did not correlate with disease activity in RA patients within 4 months of treatment scheduling.
Conclusion:
Although therapeutic regimens, which improve RA manifestations, can reduce RA activity, they had no effect on MPV during this time period. It seems MPV may not be able to predict disease activity in RA patients.
Insights
Mean platelet volume (MPV) did not correlate with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity in a 4-month study. Treatment reduced RA activity but did not impact MPV levels, suggesting MPV is not a reliable predictor of RA disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity is a key factor in disease management.
- Platelet histogram indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV), have been investigated for potential associations with RA.
- Understanding reliable biomarkers for RA activity is crucial for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity.
- To determine if MPV can serve as a predictive marker for RA activity during treatment.
Main Methods:
- Sixty RA patients meeting ACR criteria were enrolled.
- Disease activity was assessed using the DAS-28 score at baseline, 2, and 4 months.
- Complete blood counts (including MPV), CRP, and ESR were measured at each visit.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in DAS-28 scores was observed over 4 months (p < 0.001).
- No significant changes or correlations were found between MPV levels and DAS-28 scores throughout the study.
- While CRP levels decreased, MPV, platelet count, and ESR trends were not significant.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic regimens effectively reduced RA activity but did not influence MPV levels within the 4-month period.
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) does not appear to be a reliable indicator for predicting disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Further research may be needed to explore other potential roles or contexts for MPV in RA.
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