Relationship Between Platelet Indices and Aortic Valve Sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is a progressive disease that is characterized by aortic valve thickening without causing significant narrowing and in which pathology resembles atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between AVS and platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution weight (PDW), and platelet count. Method: Two hundred ten patients who were evaluated in the echocardiography unit due to various reasons between January and October 2008 were consecutively included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to presence or absence of AVS. The patient group consisted of 150 patients (76 females and 74 males; mean age, 64.5 ± 11.5 years). Patients without AVS (24 females and 36 males; mean age, 49.8 ± 15.7 years) were assigned as control group. The MPV, PDW, and platelet count were measured. Results: The MPV (9.56 ± 1.3 fL vs 9.15 ± 1.0 fL, P = .022) and PDW (16.9 ± 2.3% vs 14.9 ± 2.3, P = .001) were significantly higher in patients with AVS (+) compared to the AVS (—) group. No significant difference was demonstrated between the groups in terms of white blood cell and platelet counts (P > .05). When the AVS (+) group was compared to the AVS (—) group, a significant difference was found in respect of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking status. Conclusion: Platelet production indices including MPV and PDW were increased in patients with AVS. The complex interrelationship between increased platelet production indices and AVS and value of antithrombotic therapies in patients with AVS need to be evaluated in further studies.