Altered Platelets’ morphological parameters in children with type 1 diabetes – a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Platelet hyperreactivity is a factor which contributes towards increased risk of cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, little is known about platelets’ disturbances among children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The aim of the study was to investigate whether platelets’ morphology or function are altered in children with type 1 diabetes, potentially predisposing them to cardiovascular events in the future. METHODS: The study group consisted of 389 children with T1DM during the 2008–2010 period. Patients with acute diabetes complications and ongoing infections were excluded from the study. An equinumerous (N = 389), age and sex-matched control group was assembled from children undergoing routine, minor surgical procedures in the same hospital. Platelet: count (PLT), mean volume (MPV), distribution width (PDW) and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) as well as HbA1c levels were measured. For statistical analysis we used Chi-square tests, the student’s t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression models in order to adjust for covariates. RESULTS: MPV, PDW and P-LCR were significantly higher among children with diabetes in comparison with the control group (MPV 10.47+/−0.85 fL vs 10.23+/−0.94 fL, p = 0.0007; PDW 12.09+/−1.80% vs 11.66+/−1.90%, p = 0.0032; P-LCR 28.21+/−6.15% vs 26.29+/−6.38%, p < 0.0001). PLT however, were shown to be similar (263.55+/−60.04 vs 268.77+/−65.78 10(3)/μl; p = 0.5637). In both cases and controls age was inversely correlated with platelet count (for study group: r = −0.30, p < 0.0001; for control group: r = −0.34, p < 0.0001), positively correlated with MPVs (r = 0.20, p < 0.0001; r = 0.26, p < 0.0001), PDW (r = 0.25, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.24, p < 0.0001) and P-LCR (r = 0.26, p < 0.0001; r = 0.26, p < 0.0001). After adjustment for confounding factors, higher platelet counts were associated with poorer metabolic control (beta = 0.20; 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Platelets of paediatric patients with T1DM show morphological evidence of hyperreactivity (higher MPV, PDW and P-LCR), while poorer metabolic control increases their number potentially predisposing the patients to future cardiovascular events.