MEAN PLATELET VOLUME IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE AND CHRONIC CHOLECYSTITIS

Aim: The aim of present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of mean platelet volume in the diagnosis of patients either with acute or chronic cholecystitis. Material and method: The study included 33 patients with acute cholecystitis and 32 patients with chronic cholecystitis who were scheduled to surgical intervention at General Surgery Department of Harran University, Medicine School between January, 2010 and November, 2012. Twenty eight healthy individuals without a chronic disease or history of medication who presented to our clinic for routine controls were employed as control group. Patients with chronic diseases such as peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus or hypertension and those on anticoagulant or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication were excluded as these medications can affect platelet functions. In all patients and controls, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) in complete blood count as well as C-reactive protein values were assessed. Results: MPV values were found to be significantly lower in acute cholecystitis group when compared to those in chronic cholecystitis and control groups (p<0.05). MPV values were negatively correlated to WBC and CRP values, whereas it was positively correlated to platelet counts. WBC and CRP values were found to be significantly higher in acute cholecystitis group than those in chronic cholecystitis and control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is known that early diagnosis decreases morbidity and mortality in patients with acute cholecystitis. Thus, in patients with acute cholecystitis, use of MPV in addition to available laboratory studies and imaging modalities could be helpful in making diagnosis. Although there is a slight decrease in MPV values in patients with chronic cholecystitis, this doesn't provide additional benefit in making diagnosis.