Comparative study of platelet indices in coronary artery diseases

Introduction: With urbanization and increase in sedentary lifestyle, prevalence of CAD (Coronary artery disease) is looming large as the new epidemic afflicting Indians. Altered platelet morphology and functions have been linked with the formation and propagation of thrombotic event. Platelet indices (Mean platelet volume - MPV, Platelet distribution width - PDW, Platelet large cell ratio - PLCR) are determinants of platelet functionality. Aims and Objectives: 1. To study platelet indices (MPV, PDW, P-LCR) in CAD; 2. To compare platelet indices in patients with myocardial infarction, stable CAD and control population. Material and Methods: A comparative and prospective study was conducted on 100 patients each of MI & stable CAD on antiplatelet therapy and 100 age and sex matched healthy individuals as controls. Platelet indices were measured using an Automated Blood Counter SYSMEX XN-1000. Troponin T and CK-MB levels were collected from clinical data in MI cases. Results: Platelet indices were significantly higher in MI patients in comparison to stable CAD and control groups. Stable CAD patients also showed significantly higher platelet indices in comparison to control groups. (p value <0> Conclusion: The present study showed a significantly higher MPV, PDW and P-LCR in CAD patients in comparison to control group. Among CAD patients, MI patients had significantly higher platelet indices than stable CAD patients. Hence platelet indices can be used as simple and cost effective predictive parameters to predict CAD. Their use in a risk stratification system to predict MI and in response to intervention are worthy of consideration.