Predicting the Severity of Henoch–Schönlein Purpura: The Role of the Functional Platelet Indices

Abstract

Objecive: Our aim is to measure the discriminative competency of the qualitative platelet indices obtained at the time of diagnosis on the severity and outcome of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).Materials and Methods: Electronic data of consecutive HSP children were extracted. The severity of the disease was estimated by an adopted clinical scoring system. Platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW) indices at the time of diagnosis were recorded.Results: Overall, 76 HSP patients (mean age: 7.4±2.5 years, 56.5% male) were evaluated. HSP was classified as mild in 59 (77.6%) cases and severe in 17 (22.4%). MPV was significantly lower in severe HSP patients (7.6±1 vs. 8.44±1.1, p<0.01), however, there was no significant difference for PCT and PDW parameters. Relapse occurred in 14 patients (18.4%, 5 mild HSP and 9 severe HSP patients) during follow up. Severe HSP cases were more prone to relapse (p<0.01) and relapsing HSP patients had lower PDW (13.2±3.1 vs. 14.8±2.4 p<0.05).Conclusions: MPV level obtained at the time of first presentation of the HSP disease has a discriminative value for mild and severe HSP. Also, lower PDW might be predictive to suspect the HSP patients susceptive to relapse.