Diagnostic Value of Platelets Derived Microparticles in COVID-19

Background: Platelet microparticles (PMP) are 0.1-1-micron fragments shed from the plasma membrane of platelets that undergo stress or activation apoptosis. This work aimed to study the PMP's prognostic significance. and their relationship to thrombotic complications in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This prospective case-control work was conducted on 75 COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or more, both sexes, and 25 healthy individuals matched in age and sex. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n=75): patients hospitalized with covid 19, and Group B (n=25): The healthy control group. All patients have undergone laboratory investigations [Complete blood count, serum ferritin level, C- reactive protein, D dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, Polymerase Chain Reaction for COVID-19 detection, and ELISA for PMP detection], and radiological assessment [CT chest].Results: Using the roc curve, it was shown that PMP can be used to discriminate between Group A and Group B at a cutoff level of > 0.65, with 81.3% sensitivity, 76% specificity, 77.2% PPV and 80.3% NPV (AUC = 0.89 & p-value < 0.001). Significant positive association between PMP and age, hospital stay, and D. dimer in group A, and a significant negative correlation between PMP and Hb (P< 0.05).Conclusions: Circulating PMP may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for COVID-19 infections and might be included in the diagnostic method. PMP might work as promising new prognostic indicators for identifying COVID-19 individuals at risk of poor outcomes that require early treatment.Keywords: Platelets; Microparticles; COVID-19; Polymerase Chain Reaction