Assessment of Mean Platelet Volume as an Inflammatory Marker in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations significantly affect patients by worsening their health status, decreasing physical activity, and accelerating lung function decline. Mean platelet volume (MPV) serves as platelet function critical marker in inflammatory diseases, including COPD, where inflammation is pivotal. Recent studies evaluating this issue have yielded limited and controversial results. This work aimed to evaluate MPV as an inflammatory marker during COPD exacerbations.

This prospective study included 68 COPD patients diagnosed based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. Cases were allocated equally into stable COPD and exacerbated COPD groups.

Initial and follow-up MPV were significantly decreased among the exacerbation group in comparison to the stable group. A significant direct correlation was found between initial and follow-up MPV levels, while an inverse relationship was observed between MPV and total leukocyte count (TLC) in the exacerbation group.

MPV is a promising inflammatory marker in COPD exacerbations, demonstrating significant decreases during acute episodes. Its correlation with systemic inflammation supports its potential as a negative acute-phase reactant, warranting further clinical validation.