Mean platelet volume as a biomarker of anemia and platelet disorders among metabolic syndrome patients in Northwest Ethiopia

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and platelets play a significant role in its pathophysiology. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet activity. This study investigates the relationship between MPV and hematological abnormalities in MetS patients in Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult MetS patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Data on hematological parameters, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical profiles were collected using standard procedures. Six milliliters of venous blood were taken to conduct hematological and biochemical analyses, using an automated hematology and chemistry analyzer, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze associations between MPV and other variables. Statistical significance was determined at P-value < 0.05. Weak positive correlations were found between MPV and RBC count (ρ = 0.1588, P = 0.0018), Hgb level (ρ = 0.1621, P = 0.0014), and Hct (ρ = 0.2119, P < 0.0001), while a moderate negative correlation was observed between MPV and platelet count (ρ = -0.3988, P < 0.0001). MetS patients with anemia exhibited significantly lower median MPV values, while those with thrombocytopenia showed significantly higher median MPV values. Conversely, patients with thrombocytosis had significantly lower median MPV values compared to those without thrombocytosis. MPV is associated with hematological abnormalities in MetS patients in Northwest Ethiopia. Lower MPV was found in anemic MetS patients, while higher MPV was linked to thrombocytopenia, suggesting MPV's potential as a marker for assessing platelet dysfunction in MetS.