Platelet indices as a diagnostic tool in pediatric immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Background Bone marrow examination is the gold-standard test in discriminating between hyperdestructive thrombocytopenia and hypoproductive thrombocytopenia. However, this procedure is invasive. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive methods that may be used in discriminating between these two types of thrombocytopenia. Aim This study investigated the significance of the platelet indices, MPV and PDW, in the diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Patients and methods The study population were divided into three groups: 15 patients with hyperdestructive thrombocytopenia and 15 with hypoproductive thrombocytopenia were compared with control group (15 healthy controls). The sensitivity and specificity of these platelet indices to diagnose immune thrombocytopenic purpura were also measured. Results The MPV showed a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 66.7% at a cutoff value of 7.7 fl, and the PDW showed a sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 73.3% at a cutoff value of 40.6%. Conclusion The study concluded that although MPV and PDW can be used as an initial hint for predicting the type of thrombocytopenia, they have limited sensitivity and specificity.