The Platelet Parameters as Inflammatory Markers in Preschool Children with Atopic Eczema

Background: Mean platelet volume has been frequently used as an inflammatory marker in various diseases associated with inflammation. In this study, we compared platelet parameter levels between preschool children with and without atopic eczema (AE). Methods: Preschool children with AE and age-matched healthy children were included in the study. Complete blood count was assessed in children with AE while platelet parameters were compared between children with and without AE. Results: One hundred twenty eight pediatric patients (78 boys, mean age: 14 months) diagnosed with AE and 128 healthy patients (71 boys, mean age: 12 months) were included in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between the genders (p = 0.375) and ages (p = 0.273) of both groups. WBC (p = 0.952), Hb (p = 0.370), MCV (p = 0.314) and RDW values (p = 0.124), and platelet counts (p = 0.198) of both groups were similar. In the AE group, while the MPV value was found to be higher (p = 0.003), mean PDW value (p = 0.025) and PLT/MPV ratio were found to be lower (p = 0.021). In addition, there was no correlation between the severity of AE and MPV (rho; 0.1, p = 0.257), POW (rho; -0.1, p = 0.269) and PLT/MPV (rho; 0.07, p = 0.432) ratio. Conclusions: In patients with AE, as a sign of inflammation, PDW value and PLT/MPV ratio decrease while MPV value increases. This study has also shown that there is no association between the severity of AE and platelet parameters.