Mean platelet volume in retinal vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVE The exact pathogenic mechanism underlying the thrombotic tendency in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is still not fully established. We investigated relationship between platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count in RVO patients compared to control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty six patients (19 female, 27 male) diagnosed as RVO were included in the study. Forty-six subjects (26 female, 20 male) served as controls. Patients were evaluated by careful biomicroscopic examination using a fundus contact lens and fluorescein angiography. Blood samples for total blood count with MPV were obtained after overnight fasting from the antecubital vein. RESULTS The mean platelet volume was 8.11 ± 1.15 fl in RVO group. It was 8.68 ± 0.98 fl in controls. When compared, the mean MPV was significantly lower in RVO patients (p < 0.05). The mean platelet volume was also significantly lower in branch retinal vein occlusion group in comparison to controls (7.92 ± 1.19 fl. versus 8.68 ± 0.98 fl.) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS MPV was significantly lower in patients with RVO than control group. MPV does not seem to be a potentially useful biomarker for prediction of RVO.