Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular disease, and the size of the platelets can determine their reactivity. Large platelets secrete more prothrombotic factors and aggregate more quickly. In this study, we aimed to investigate mean platelet volume (MPV) levels, which are considered to be an indication of the increase in platelet function in previous studies, in cases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: At Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, 297 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke were included in the study and two groups were assigned as patients with and without NVAF. In the study, the relationship between MPV and platelet counts in the first 24 hours after the onset of the symptom between the two groups was examined. In addition, the relationship between MPV and hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, smoking and alcohol use, infarct location, and use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant was assessed. Results: MPV levels were significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients with NVAF (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). The mean MPV level in patients with NVAF and non-smokers was significantly higher than smokers (p = 0.012; p < 0.05), but there was no significant relationship between MPV and other parameters. Conclusions: In this study, it was shown that MPV levels were significantly higher in patients with acute ischemic stroke and NVAF than those without NVAF. This finding suggested that MPV which shows platelet reactivity can be assumed as a risk factor of AIS in patients with NVAF.