Platelet activation in chronic urticaria and its correlation with disease severity

Abstract

Chronic urticaria (CU) is characterized by the occurrence of wheals lasting for more than 6 weeks. The role of platelet activation in the pathophysiology of this condition has not been clearly studied. We undertook a cross-sectional study among 45 patients with CU and 45 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The severity of the disease was assessed using the urticaria severity score. The autologous plasma skin test (APST) was done in all cases of CU. The platelet count and indices were estimated by an automated haematological laser optical analyzer. Platelet aggregation and soluble P-selectin levels were estimated in all study participants. It was observed that there was a significantly higher mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in patients with CU when compared to controls. Platelet aggregation and soluble P-selectin levels were significantly higher in patients with CU, as compared to controls. Urticaria severity score correlated positively with platelet aggregability and soluble P-selectin levels. APST-positive patients had significantly higher platelet aggregation and higher soluble P-selectin levels, when compared to the APST-negative patients, indicating more platelet activation in the autoimmune group. There is significant platelet activation in patients with CU, especially in those with autoreactivity.

Mean Platelet Volume in Children with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

“…In addition, no correlation was observed between MPV and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Increased MPV has been reported in adults with CSU (11,18,20). Consistent with the literature, we also found high MPV value in our study.…”

“…However, this finding was consistent with that related to nonallergic inflammatory disease (23,24). In another study involving adult patients with CSU, MPV values in the patient group were reported to be higher than those in healthy controls (11). Our results regarding MPV were not consistent with the study involving children with CSU (15).…”

“…In contrast, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet count can be used as markers associated with platelet function and activation (7,(10)(11)(12). These are measured in routine blood counts.…”

“…These are measured in routine blood counts. Elevated MPV is observed in cases where platelet activation is increased (11,13). Platelet counts, MPV, PDW are much more cost effective and more available compared to other methods (platelet factor-4, beta-thromboglobulin, P-selectin and platelet aggregation) (11,14).…”

Platelet distribution width (PDW) data of patients with nasal polyposis: is it important for clinical severity?

“…[26] In a study by Topal et al [27] conducted on 128 preschool patients with allergic eczema, their PDW levels were lower than those in the control group, but the MPV levels were higher. In a study by Chandrashekar et al [28] carried out with 45 patients with chronic urticaria, both the MPV and PDW levels were significantly higher in the study group than they were in the control group and there was a correlation between the increase in disease severity and the increase in MPV and PDW levels. Patients with high PDW value in our study group also had high MPV values (p<0.05).…”