Evaluation of Platelet Parameters and their Prognostic Significance in Anemia and Leukemia

Background & Aims : Most commonly assessed Platelet indices include the mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR), and the plateletcrit (PCT). The platelet behavior is often unpredictable and complicated in Iron Deficiency Anemia. High MPV and low PDW were reported in patients with leukemia. The present study aimed to evaluate the significance of platelet parameters in anemia and leukemia cases. Materials & Methods : A cross-sectional and observational case-control study was carried out at a teaching hospital of Andhra Pradesh. We measured the platelet indices using an automated counter. Laboratory data from 200 patients of anemia and leukemias were analysed. Results : Hematological disorders such as anemia in 168 cases and Leukemia in 32 cases were recorded. Platelet parameters specifically platelet count (PC), MPV, PDW, and P-LCR were significantly lowered in acute leukemia patients than them of the control group. In chronic leukemia (both CML & CLL) patients, all the platelet parameters such as mean platelet component (MPC), MPV, PDW, and P-LCR were found to be higher than them of the control group. In the majority of chronic leukemia cases, platelets on PBS were discrete (81%) and hypogranular (55%). Inverse relationship noted between MPV and PC among anemic patients. PC in acute leukemia (both AML & ALL) patients was lower than that of the control group. PDW was significantly lower in acute leukemia patients compared to that in the control group. P-LCR was also found to be significantly lower in the acute leukemia group compared to the control group. The PC was higher and the MPV was lower in the anemic group compared to the control group. Conclusion : In chronic leukemia patients, all the platelet parameters such asPC, MPV, PDW, and P-LCR were found to be significantly higher than them of the control group. PC was higher and the MPV was lower in the anemic group compared to the control group. All the platelet parameters such as MPV, PC, PDW, and P-LCR were significantly lower in acute leukemia patients compared to them in the control group, in contrast with chronic leukemia patients where the parameters were significantly higher compared to them in the control group.