Platelet Function and Turnover in Essential Thrombocythemia: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Background:

• Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm defined by elevated platelet counts.
• ET is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events, potentially linked to platelet count and function.
• The role of platelet function and turnover in ET's thromboembolic risk requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether platelet function and turnover are altered in ET patients compared to healthy individuals.
• To determine if these parameters correlate with increased thromboembolic risk in ET.
• To assess the potential of these parameters in guiding treatment decisions for ET patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in Embase and PubMed up to March 20, 2020.
• The search followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Thirty-eight studies were included from an initial 1,923 articles based on predefined criteria.

Main Results:

• Increased platelet activation (CD36, CD62P) was observed in 12 of 18 studies.
• Platelet aggregation was reduced in 20 of 21 investigated studies.
• Platelet turnover markers (immature platelet count, mean platelet volume) yielded inconclusive results across five studies.

Conclusions:

• Platelet activation is elevated in essential thrombocythemia patients.
• Conversely, platelet aggregation appears to be reduced in ET.
• Further research is needed to identify reliable markers for predicting thromboembolic risk in ET.