Could Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Count Be Used to Predict Survival in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive pulmonary vascular disease characterized by remodeling and vasoconstriction of the pulmonary arteries, resulting in elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and consequent right heart failure. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measure of the average size of platelets in the blood. It has been shown to predict mortality and morbidity in several cardiovascular diseases. The data regarding the relationship between MPV and platelet levels and survival in PH patients is limited. The study aimed to evaluate MPV and platelet levels in PH patients and determine their relationship with mortality. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 198 patients followed up in a PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension) center between 2017 and 2021. Patients' demographic characteristics and MPV and platelet levels at the diagnosis were recorded from the hospital automation system. Patients' blood brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, functional class level (WHO-FC), pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASP), follow-up durations, and survival were recorded. Results: Of the patients, 63 were male (31.8%) and 135 were female (68.2%). During this period, 22.2% of them (n:44) died. The platelet count and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels significantly correlated with survival, but MPV levels did not (Platelet: p=0.001, BNP: p=0.004, MPV: p=0.304). Patients who died had lower platelet and higher BNP values. Higher WHO-FC (p=0.009), male gender (p=0.001), elevated PASP (p=0.024), and older age (p=0.043) were associated with survival. Conclusion: Aside from known factors such as WHO-FC and BNP, platelet count could be a biomarker for predicting survival. However, mean platelet volume was not associated with survival. © 2023, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.