The Role of Mean Platelet Volume in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis: A Retrospective Case-Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: The level of platelet volume (MPV) has been reported to be a laboratory marker in inflammatory cases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to seek whether MPV has a role in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It was also aimed to show the relationship of MPV with leukocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted via retrospective assessment of the hospital records of the adult patients who were operated for acute appendicitis between January 2010 and December 2012 and had a pathology report that confirmed the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The patients in the control group were selected from healthy adults of similar age who applied to check-up clinic. The number of essential cases was defined by performing power analysis. Age, gender, leukocyte count, CRP, and MPV values were recorded. This study is a case controlled retrospective clinical study. RESULTS: A total of 503 patients in the acute appendicitis group and 121 patients in the control group were included, making up a total of 624 subjects. The median MPV levels were 7.92 ± 1.68 fL in the acute appendicitis group, while 7.43 ± 1.34 fL in the control group. CRP, leukocyte count, and MPV level were significantly higher in the acute appendicitis group (P < 0.001). MPV, leukocyte count, and CRP had a sensitivity and specificity of 66% and 51%; 91% and 74%; and 97% and 41%, respectively. No correlation was found between MPV, CRP, and leukocyte count. CONCLUSIONS: MPV level was higher in patients with acute appendicitis. MPV may guide the diagnostic process of acute appendicitis. However, we detected that the sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte count and CRP were superior to those of MPV in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.