Platelet parameters and their role in myeloproliferative neoplasms, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Introduction: Platelet parameters are inexpensive and readily available biomarkers for platelet activation. This study investigated the differences and usefulness of platelet parameters in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which are major hematologic disorders associated with platelet activation or dysfunction.

Methods: We enrolled 418 patients: 186 with MPN, 109 with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and 123 with MDS. Platelet count and platelet parameters, including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit, and mean platelet component (MPC), were measured using an automated hematology analyzer.

Results: Platelet parameters, particularly MPV and MPC, showed statistically significant differences in MPN compared with healthy control individuals, indicating the most significant platelet activation in primary myelofibrosis. We noted that MPV, plateletcrit, and MPC differed substantially between immune thrombocytopenic purpura and aplastic anemia compared with healthy control individuals, with statistically significant differences in MPV, PDW, and MPC between immune thrombocytopenic purpura and aplastic anemia. All parameters revealed statistically significant differences between MDS and healthy controls.

Discussion: Platelet parameters demonstrated significant differences among patients with MPN, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and MDS compared with healthy control individuals, suggesting platelet activation in these disorders. They may also be useful markers for differentiating the causative disease in patients with thrombocytosis or thrombocytopenia.