Importance of meanplatelet volume, platelet distribution width and red blood cell distribution width in asthmatic subjects

Background: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a reflection of platelet size, which has been shown to correlate with platelet function and activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) can be used as diagnostic parameters for bronchial asthma. Methods: Patients admitted to our clinic with pulmonary symptoms and diagnosed with asthma, non-smoking healthy subjects and smoking healthy subjects included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups; in the first group non-smoker healthy people (non-smoker), in the second group smoking more than 5 pack-years cigarettes but still healthy people (smokers) and the third group asthmatic subjects but has no other disease (asthmatic subjects). Complete blood count of all subjects were studied within an hour (25-45 minutes) after the blood was taken. The levels for hemoglobin, white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, MPV, PDW and RDW were recorded for each patient. Results: In a total 200 non-smoking healthy, 200 smoking healthy and 236 asthmatic subjects were included in the study . MPV levels were significantly lower in asthmatic subjects as compared to non-smokers (p <0,001) and smokers (p <0,005). No significant difference was observed in platelet levels. PDW and RDW levels were significantly higher in asthmatic subjects compared to non-smokers (p <0,005) and smokers (p <0,005). Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that MPV may be used as a negative predictor and PDW and RDW may be as positive predictors for asthmatic subjects.