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Platelet indices and varicocele: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Yuyang Zhang1, Xu Wu1, Wei Zhang1

  • 1The Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.

Andrologia
|December 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study found higher mean platelet volume (MPV) in varicocele patients. Varicocele surgery normalized elevated MPV levels, suggesting platelets play a role in varicocele development.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Hematology
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility.
  • Platelets are increasingly recognized for their role beyond hemostasis, including inflammation and tissue repair.
  • The relationship between platelet indices and varicocele pathogenesis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze platelet indices in varicocele patients compared to healthy controls.
  • To explore the association between platelet parameters and varicocele, including pre- and post-operative states.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.
  • Databases searched: Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE.
  • Standardised Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Nine studies included 1,156 varicocele patients and 797 controls.
  • Significantly higher mean platelet volume (MPV) in varicocele patients (SMD = 0.61, p < 0.001).
  • Post-operative MPV levels were normalized compared to pre-operative levels (SMD = 0.22, p = 0.02).
  • Platelet count (PLT) was lower in varicocele patients (SMD = -0.19, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated MPV is associated with varicocele.
  • Varicocele surgery effectively normalizes elevated MPV.
  • Platelets may play a significant role in varicocele pathogenesis, warranting further investigation.

Keywords:
mean platelet volumemeta-analysisplatelet countplatelet distribution widthvaricocele

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