Could hemogram parameters be predictors of dementia in elderly patients?

Objective: To study red cell distribution width (RDW), RDW to platelet ratio (RPR) and mean platelet volume to platelet ratio (MPR), novel inflammatory markers of routine hemogram, of patients with or without dementia, according to the grade of the disease established by Fazekas's score in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A total of 1342 cases that undergone cranial MRI study were retrospectively analyzed. Patients without a previous stroke and over 45 years were enrolled in the study. Demographic and laboratory characteristics of the participants were obtained from institutional computerized database. Subcortical and periventricular white matter were evaluated in axial FLAIR images according to Fazekas's grading scale. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for assessing the predictors of Fazekas's grading scale. Results: MPR of Fazekas 0, Fazekas 1, Fazekas 2 and Fazekas 3 groups were 3, 3, 4 and 3%, respectively. MPR difference between study groups was not significant (p = .32). RPR of Fazekas 0, Fazekas 1, Fazekas 2 and Fazekas 3 groups were 6, 7, 7 and 7%, respectively. RPR difference between study groups was significant (p < .001). Conclusion: We suggest that increased RDW and RPR values may indicate higher Fazekas's score and dementia in cranial imaging studies. The radiologist should pay particular attention in interpretation of cranial MRI of these patients.