Could mean platelet volume be a promising biomarker of progression of chronic kidney disease?

The mean platelet volume (MPV), a readily available indicator of platelet activation and function, is a useful predictive and prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). It is associated with a variety of prothrombotic and proinflammatory diseases. Larger platelets are more likely to aggregate and release greater quantities of adhesive molecules. MPV has seldom been investigated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MPV levels and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with CKD. We reviewed the medical records of patients with CKD who visited the nephrology outpatient clinics of Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital between January 2010 and May 2013. A total of 553 patients were included in the present retrospective study. According to the estimated GFR (eGFR) calculated by the abbreviated the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation, the patients were allocated to Group 1 (GFR, 60-89 ml/minute/1.73 m(2); n = 64), Group 2 (GFR, 30-59 ml/minute/1.73 m(2); n = 268), Group 3 (GFR, 15-29 ml/minute/1.73 m(2); n = 147), or Group 4 (GFR, <15 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) and non-dialysis; n = 74). Data were analyzed by Student's t-test, the chi-squared test, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test, and one-way analysis of covariance. The MPV values had a negative correlation with eGFR in patients with CKD (Pearson's correlation coefficient = -0.553, p < 0.001). The mean MPV values in Groups 1-4 were 9.81 ± 0.13 fl, 10.34 ± 0.08 fl, 10.86 ± 0.09 fl, and 11.19 ± 0.11 fl, respectively (p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons of MPV values in the four groups by Tukey's HSD test showed statistically significant intergroup differences, with all p values <0.001. Platelet counts and PDW decreased along with eGFR, and there were no significant differences with respect to plateletcrit. Patients with prevalent coronary artery disease (CAD) or CVD had higher MPVs than did those without CAD or CVD. MPV was significantly increased with progression of CKD. MPV may be a useful indicator of increased risks of CAD or CVD in patients with CKD.