Could Mean Platelet Volume Differentiate Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Types?

Evaluation of platelet volume indices is proposed by literature in predicting and differentiating coronary diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the mean number and volume of platelets in patients with unstable angina (UA), STEMI, and NSTEMI.

In this cross-sectional study, ACS patients were compared for mean platelet volume (MPV) and mean platelet count (MPC), stratified by type of the ACS (unstable angina, STEMI, and NSTEMI). Demographics, pre-existing medical diseases, and medication history were also compared for justification.

A total of 75 patients were studied in 3 age and sex match groups UA (n=25), STEMI(n=25), and NSTEMI (n=25). The MPV in UA patients was significantly higher than in the group of patients with STEMI (P = 0.031). Moreover, the MPC in patients with UA was significantly lower than in the group of patients with STEMI (P = 0.02). The results showed no statistically significant difference between patients with unstable angina and NSTEMI and no significant difference between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI.

In all three groups of ACS patients, the MPV and MPC were in the normal range. So, considering these factors alone may not help to differentiate between these three groups of patients.