Platelet parameters as an inflammatory marker in children

Introduction: Platelets which are known to play a role in inflammation change their number and shape when they are activated and this change is reflected in values of platelet indices. Testing for platelet parameters by reliable automated blood cell counters is inexpensive, easily accessible and routinely performed that had been recognized as a hallmark in the diagnosis of platelet activation during infection and inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between white blood cell count(WBC), which is known inflammatory marker and platelet count (PLT) and its parameters including mean platelet volume(MPV), platelet distribution width(PDW), plateletcrit (PCT) and platelet- large cell ratio (P-LCR) in all clinical setting of leukocytosis in children. Methods:White blood cell counts and all platelet parameters were evaluated in 156 children with elevated white blood cell counts (group 1) and 191children with normal white blood count (group 2) and the results of two groups were compared and statistically analysed. Results: There is a association between WBC and platelet count but there is very low correlation exist and correlation is significant. There was a significant difference between the two groups in WBC counts, PLT counts, PCT and PDW values (p0.05).Conclusion: Platelet count and PDW values are significant in infectious conditions. And no significant role of PCT, MPV and P-LCR values found in such conditions.