Correlation of various platelet indices and its association with susceptibility to develop DVT

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprises DVT and PE, and either of them can be asymptomatic. The major disaster associated with deep vein thrombosis is when thrombus embolizes towards the heart and lungs where it lodges in the pulmonary arteries, known as pulmonary embolism. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a serious disease not only because of the risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE), but also of its risk for long-term sequelae. Several parameters may help in the identification of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Several studies proposed that larger mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of increased in-vivo platelet activation. Several studies have shown that increased platelet activity is associated with a greater risk of vascular events. Platelets play an important role in thrombus formation and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. METHODS: A total number of 33 cases and 33 controls were included in this study. We included all patients who were positive for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as confirmed by Duplex scan. Patients on antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy were excluded from the study. Clinical assessment of all patients, detailed history and physical examination was performed and recorded in proforma. Two mL of blood were collected in lavender top vials containing Di-potassium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2EDTA) and analyzed in Beckmann Coulter fully automatic analyzer. RESULT S: Out of 33 patients, 16 patients were males and 17 were females. Majority of patients (16 out of 33, 48.4%) belong to middle age group (20-40 yrs). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for platelet larger cell ratio (P-LCR) showed area under curve 0.701, P=0.005 (significant). Cut-off value was 38.25, sensitivity and specificity were both 60%. Patients were divided in two groups with PLCR<38.25% and P-LCR>38.25%. When compared, MPV was significantly low in P-LCR<38.25% and high in P-LCR>38.25% (9.2 +/- 0.9 fL vs. 10.3 +/- 1.2 fL; P=0.012). Rest correlations were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, leukocytosis present in deep venous thrombosis (DVT) may be due to associated comorbidities. Moreover, combination of various platelet indices with D-dimer test can increase detection sensitivity of cases with deep venous thrombosis.