The Diagnostic Utility of Mean Platelet Volume as a Marker of Pulmonary Hypertension in COPD Patients

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide that induces an economic and social burden. The aim of this work was to assess mean platelet volume (MPV), as a marker of platelet activation, predicting pulmonary hypertension (PAH) in COPD patients and its correlation with severity of PAH.

Methods: This prospective observational control cross-sectional study was carried out on 80 subjects who divided in to three groups: Group I: 30 mild to moderate COPD patients, group II: 30 severe COPD patients and group III (control): included 20 healthy age-matched individuals. All patients were subjected to radiological investigation (chest x-ray (PA) and CT chest), spirometry, transthoracic echocardiography and laboratory investigations [CBC and MPV].

Results: The best cut-off value of MPV in diagnosis of moderate PH is ≥9.65 to <9.95 fL with area under curve 0.922, sensitivity 90.5%, specificity 63.6%, Positive predictive value 35.1%, negative predictive value 94.4% and accuracy 68.8%. The best cut-off value of MPV in diagnosis of severe PH is ≥9.95 fL with area under curve 0.968, sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 75.6%, positive predictive value 63.3%, negative predictive value 97.7% and accuracy 80.3 %.

Conclusions: MPV was increased in COPD patients who developed PAH. MPV was positively correlated with severity of PAH.