- Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2013) Volume 3, Issue 23

Platelet Indices in Sudanese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background:Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are indicators of platelet function and activation .MPV has been reported to be influenced inversely by their production and removal from circulation. Creactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are inflammatory markers affected in RA. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in platelets count, MPV and PDW in patients with RA, compared to healthy control individuals and to find out if there is any correlation with the inflammatory markers (CRP, WBC and ESR) and the duration of the disease. Material and methods: This was case control study conducted in Khartoum Rheumatic Diseases and Rehabilitation Clinic and Fedail Hospital in Khartoum state on 103 patients with RA according to the (American College of Rheumatology guide line); white blood cells count, ESR and CRP in addition to platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were performed on those patients. The obtained values of MPV and PDW were also analyzed and compared with matched 56 control group without RA. Results: The platelet indices showed higher values for MPV (p=0.00) and PDW (p=0.00) in patients with RA compared to control, reflecting greater platelet activation in those patients. The Platelet count was positively correlated with inflammatory markers in RA patients (p<0.05), while the MPV and PDW were not. Conclusions: Platelet indices which are routinely measured by automated hematology analyzers are significantly elevated in RA patients. Their clinical utility and association with disease activity in patients with RA should be further investigated.

Author(s): Abdel Rahim Mahmoud Muddathir, Fadel El-Jabbar Haj

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