Utility of platelet volume indices in thrombocytopenia

Background: Thrombocytopenia is one of the most frequent causes for hematologic consultation in the practice of medicine. It results from a wide variety of conditions and can produce severe morbidity and mortality. Two main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia are increased destruction and decreased production of platelets. Recent advances in automated blood cell analyzers have made it possible to measure the various platelet indices and to differentiate the causes of thrombocytopenia as hyper destructive or hypo productive. Methodology: The blood samples were analyzed for platelet count and platelet volume indices using the automated haematology analyzer. Results: The platelet volume indices - mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width and platelet large cell ratio showed significantly higher values in the immune thrombocytopenia cases. Conclusion: The platelet volume indices can be considered as an effective non invasive tool in discriminating immune thrombocytopenia from hypo productive thrombocytopenia.