The relationship between inflammation and mean platelet volume in varicocele pathophysiology

Introduction: The mean platelet volume (MPV) is an extensively employed laboratory indicator related to platelet volume and function in inflammatory circumstances. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between inflammation and mean platelet volume in varicocele pathophysiology. Methods: We conducted a recent study, which included 131 varicocele subjects and 82 healthy controls. The identification of varicocele was based on the results from both physical examination and color Doppler ultrasound. We analyzed some laboratory markers including haemogram tests in two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of baseline characteristics. MPV values were statistically higher in the varicocele group (9.73 +/- 0.86 fL) than in the control group (9.03 +/- 0.70 fL) (p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship between MPV and varicocele grade was found. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested the optimum MPV cut-off value for patients with varicocele as 9.05, with a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 50%, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: MPV can offer information on varicocele pathophysiology. Increased MPV levels in varicocele patients may be associated with inflammation. (C) 2017 Asociacion Espanola de Andrologia, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.