An Evaluation of Platelet Indices in Newly Diagnosed Cases of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by prothrombotic phenotype associated with endothelial dysfunction, an increase in platelet activation and systemic inflammation. Platelet aggregation and activation are crucial in the formation of thrombi and acceleration of atherosclerosis, associated with unstable angina, sudden cardiac death is brought on by an acute myocardial infarction. Objective: To evaluate the platelet-indices in newly diagnosed cases of acute myocardial infarction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during November 2022 to December 2023 in Pathology Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Samples were collected from the patients of AMI admitted to Emergency Ward and from healthy controls as well. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with platelet indices, platelet count, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Crit (PCT) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) were investigated on five-part automated hematology analyzer BT-PRO 2300. Analysis of the data was done by using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Total 140 patients were divided into a healthy control group (70) and newly diagnosed cases of acute myocardial infarction (70). Among diagnosed cases of AMI 46 (65.7%) had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 24 cases (34.2%) got non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). It was found that AMI patients had lower platelet counts and PCT with higher MPV and PDW. Conclusions: It was concluded that the platelet indices (PDW, and PCT, MPV) are significant predictors of myocardial infarction. They might be applied as an easy, reliable, and economical way to anticipate an impending acute coronary event.