Does Mean Platelet Volume in Children with Bronchiectasis Predict Exacerbations?

Bronchiectasis is a parenchymal lung disease which develops as a consequence of chronic inflammation and recurrent pulmonary infections. It is known that platelets have a role in inflammation and progressive pulmonary damage. Mean platelet volume (MPV) values as a marker of platelet activation, and might be used as an indicator of inflammation. Eighty-one children with the diagnosis of bronchiectasis followed between July 2010-July 2012 were enrolled in the study. The demographical data of patients were recorded and complete blood count (CBC) and MPV values were screened via hospital patient database. Complete blood count and MPV values were compared to age and sex-matched healthy children’s data. In addition, CBC and MPV values were compared among chronic disease period without any exacerbation and exacerbation period in the children with bronchiectasis. The study was consisted of 81 children with bronchiectasis and 79 healthy controls. There was no significant difference between MPV values of non-exacerbation period and control group (p>0,05). Mean platelet volumes during acute exacerbation were significantly lower when compared with the values of non-exacerbation period and controls (p= 0,02 and p= 0,01 respectively). MPV and platelet counts (r = -0,502, p= 0,01) as well as leucocyte count and hemoglobin levels were inversely correlated with each other in exacerbation period (r= -439, p= 0.00). Mean platelet volume measured at during acute exacerbation were significantly decreased in children with bronchiectasis. With the result of present study, we suggest that MPV might be used as a predictor marker for diagnosis of acute exacerbations in children with bronchiectasis.