Association of mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width with diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus

Introduction: MPV and PDW are indicators of subclinical platelet hyperactivity and can be used as predictive factors for development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods: This prospective case control study enrolled 150 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR group) and 150 diabetic patients without retinopathy (control group). Detailed history and ophthalmic examination was done. The DR group was divided into 5 subgroups according to the ETDRS classification of diabetic retinopathy. MPV, PDW, FBS and PPBS values were obtained. Result: The mean value of MPV in DR group was higher compared to control group (p=0.016). PDW also followed the similar trend with DR group having mean value of 13.71± 1.36 fl and control group having 12.13 ± 1.29 fl (p=0.023). The study also found a trend of increase in severity of diabetic retinopathy with increasing level of MPV and PDW. However a statistically significant association was found only between MPV and stage of diabetic retinopathy (r= 0.214, p= 0.046). A marked increase in MPV and PDW values were found in those with Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (p<0> Conclusion: Platelet indices like MPV can be a cheap and easy to measure tool for monitoring diabetic retinopathy.