Estimation of impedance platelet count and mean platelet volume in cases of severe microcytosis – A prospective study

Introduction: Microcytosis is a condition in which red blood cells are unusually small as measured by their mean corpuscular volume.1 The most common cause of microcytosis is iron deficiency anemia.2 In severe microcytosis, both thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia may be seen although thrombocytosis is more frequently seen. Aim and Objectives: To study the values of platelet count and mean platelet volume in cases of severe microcytosis. Materials and Methods: A 1 year prospective study (1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017) of 200 patients was carried out in the Post Graduate Department of Pathology, Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) and Hospital, Sidhra after obtaining due clearance from Institutional Ethical Committee. Platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) of 200 patients with low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was done. Results: A total of 200 patients with severe microcytosis (MCV <60 fl) were evaluated for platelet counts and mean platelet volume. Thrombocytosis was seen in 160 patients (80%), thrombocytopenia in 5 patients (2.5%), whereas normal platelet count was seen in 35 patients (17.5%). The mean platelet volume was low in 141 patients (70.5%), high in 4 patients (2.0%) and normal in 55 patients (27.5%). Conclusion: Both thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia may occur in severe microcytosis although the incidence of thrombocytosis was very high (80%) in our study. There is an inverse relationship of mean platelet volume and platelet count in severe microcytosis.