Evaluation of mean platelet volume in localized scleroderma

Abstract

BackgroundLocalized scleroderma is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by sclerosis of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Platelets play an important role in inflammation. Following activation, platelets rapidly release numerous mediators and cytokines, which contribute to inflammation.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether there was any relation between localized scleroderma and platelet parameters.MethodsForty-one patients with localized scleroderma were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects.ResultsThe mean platelet volume level in the patient group was 9.9 ± 1.3 fl and in the control group was 7.6 ± 1.1 fl. This difference was statistically significant (p< 0.001). The plateletcrit values are minimally higher in the patient group as compared to the control group. It was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the platelet counts between the two groups (p= 0.560) In the patient group, there was no significant relation between the mean platelet volume levels and clinical signs of disease (p=0.09). However, plateletcrit values are higher in generalized than localized forms of disease (p=0.01).Study LimitationsThe limited number of patients and the retrospective nature of the study were our limitations.ConclusionsThis study suggests that platelets might play a role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma. Platelet parameters may be used as markers for evaluating disease severity and inflammatory processes. Thus, there is a need for more detailed and prospective studies.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Lyme Borreliosis in Children—A Case Series and Review

“…It is estimated that the incidence of morphea is 0.4–2.7/100,000 people per year [ 36 ]. It is characterized by an inflammatory phase followed by a process of skin fibrosis leading to thickening and hardening [ 37 ]. The main cause of morphea, apart from genetic factors, weakness caused by radiotherapy, and individual tendency to develop autoimmune diseases, is also infection with Bb.…”

Localized scleroderma: actual insights and new biomarkers

“…Both constant proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts result in the excess synthesis and the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) is reduced among patients with LS, which destroys all types of extracellular matrix proteins, causes the increased production of melanin in melanocytes, and leads to the death of keratinocytes in the affected area of the skin 1,4,7,13,15,19–25 …”

“…In this study, patients with LS have been found to have an increased level of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelets (PLT). In the future, parameters of platelets can be used as biomarkers in order to evaluate the severity of LS 21 …”

“…Furthermore, the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is reduced among patients with LS, which destroys all types of extracellular matrix proteins, causes the increased production of melanin in melanocytes, and leads to the death of keratinocytes in the affected area of the skin. 1,4,7,13,15,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of LS…”

“…In the future, parameters of platelets can be used as biomarkers in order to evaluate the severity of LS. 21 Modern biomarkers of localized scleroderma and their role in the pathogenesis of the disease Galactosylated IgG (IgG-Gal) Glycosylation of the Fab end of IgG plays a role in eliminating autoreactivity. The IgG-Gal ratio was significantly higher among patients with systemic scleroderma than among patients with LS.…”