Correlation of Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Count in Dengue Cases as Prognostic Markers

Abstract

Background: Dengue is rapidly emerging arboviral disease associated with considerable morbidity, mainly due to thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic complication. Mean platelet volume (MPV) which reflects platelet production and activation, may act as a useful prognostic indicator in dengue infection. Aim: The present study determines the relationship between MPV and platelet count in dengue patients and evaluate its prognostic vale. Material and Methods: This cross -sectional study included 62 serologically confirmed dengue patient’s admitted between June and September 2022. Complete blood count parameter were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25. Since data were non-normally distributed (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test), Spearman correlation was applied. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The median platelet count was 1.87 lakhs per microliter (IQR 1.18) and median MPV was 9.64 fL (IQR 1.31). A statistically significant correlation was observed between platelet count and MPV (r = 0.65, p <0.0001). Similar significant correlations were observed across all age groups. Conclusion: Regular monitoring of MPV along with platelet count may serve as a useful prognostic tool for predicting significant thrombocytopenia in dengue patients. MPV may assist in the early detection of patients who are at risk of developing complications.