Is there an association between mean platelet volume and diabetic retinopathy? A case-control study

To the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between mean platelet volume (MPV) and diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) referred to Ophthalmology Clinic of Rohani Teaching Hospital in Babol, Northern Iran were entered into this case-control study. Healthy subjects in control group included individuals without history of DM. The patients were classified into four groups including I. Control (n=79), II. Diabetic patients without DR (n=68), III. Non-proliferative DR (n=61), and IV. Proliferative DR (n=64). Blood samples were collected, and necessary laboratory tests were performed.

The MPV value was significantly higher in each group of II, III and IV compared to group I (p<0.001). This value was also significantly higher in each group of III and IV compared to group II. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between III and IV groups in MPV. A significant correlation was found between MPV and fasting blood sugar in groups II (r=0.349, p=0.004), III (r=0.269, p=0.036) and IV (r=0.258, p=0.040). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between MPV and hemoglobin A1c in groups II (r=0.366, p=0.002), III (r=0.312, p=0.015) and IV (r=0.278, p=0.026).

The results of this study showed that the increased MPV value was directly associated with DR and its severity. A positive association was also found between MPV and indicators of glycemic status. Considering that measurement of MPV as a suitable parameter reflecting platelet function can be easily conducted, it can be clinically used to monitor status of DR.