The Mean Platelet Volume in the Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease Severity and Risk Stratification of Acute Coronary Syndromes

INTRODUCTION: Platelets play a crucial role in thrombotic episodes. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is the primary indicator of platelet’s activation; its measurement is easy and time-effective. AIM: We tested the hypothesis that MPV is correlated with SYNTAX score in patients that suffered from an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and four (104) patients (79 male–25 female, mean age 64.2±11.1 years), who were hospitalized for an ACS and underwent coronary angiography, were included in the study. Syntax score, as an indicator of the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), was calculated. We tried to investigate the correlation between the first measured MPV, CRP, Creatinine and high sensitivity Troponin with the Syntax score of the patient and the association of MPV and a possible Major Advanced Cardiac Event (MACE) during hospitalization. RESULTS: The patients were divided into four groups according to the SYNTAX score: Group A (SYNTAX score: 0, n=12), group B: Mild CAD (SYNTAX score: 1–22, n=68), group C: Moderate CAD (SYNTAX score: 23–32, n=12), and group D: Severe CAD (SYNTAX score: ≥ 33, n=12). Four patients (3.8%) developed a MACE during their hospitalization. MPV was significantly correlated to Syntax score (r=0.658, p<0.001) and was found to be an independent predictor factor of MACE with HR=6.8 (95% Confidence Interval 1.46-33.36). The cut-off value of MPV was 7.5 with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 30.8%. CONCLUSION: We determined a positive correlation between MPV and Syntax score, transforming this simple test in a possible factor of risk stratification in ACS.