Diagnostic role of mean platelet volume in tonsillitis with and without peritonsillar abscess.

Objective. To assess the diagnostic role of mean platelet volume in tonsillitis with and without peritonsillar abscess. Methods.Mean platelet volume and other laboratory data were retrospectively investigated. Results. Mean platelet volume was significantly lower in the tonsillitis group (7.8 per cent 0.7 per cent) than in the control group (8.7 per cent +/- 0.6 per cent; p < 0.0001), and it was significantly lower in the abscess group (7.5 per cent +/- 0.6 per cent) than in the no abscess group (8.0 per cent +/- 0.7 per cent; p = 0.0277). White blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were not significantly different between patients with an abscess and those without. The mean platelet volume cut-off values for the diagnosis of tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess were 7.95 fl and 7.75 fl, respectively. Conclusion. Our results suggest that a decreased mean platelet volume is associated with the development and severity of tonsillitis. This finding provides useful diagnostic information for physicians treating patients with tonsillitis.