Prognostic value of platelet indices in children with haemostatic disorders induced by herpetic infection and their relation to the inflammatory process activity

Platelets are the smallest but highly reactive morphological components of blood, primarily involved in fibrosis and maintenance of normal haemostasis, but there is also considerable evidence of their multifunctionality, including their involvement in inflammation Aim - to assess the prognostic significance of changes in platelet indices in children with haemostatic disorders induced by herpes infection. Materials and methods. We examined 100 children aged 0-18 years with haemostatic disorders induced by herpetic infections. In addition to general clinical examinations, platelet indices, namely mean platelet volume (MPV), thrombocrit (PCT), platelet large coefficient (P-LCR) and platelet distribution width (PDW), all subjects underwent determination of levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, endothelin-1, and polymerase chain reaction of herpes viruses of 8 types. Results. It was determined that at MPV values below 5.79 fl there was a significant risk of severe thrombocytopenia and vasopathy, and at values above 13.62 fl - severe thrombocytosis. At PCT levels within the third to fourth quartile, there was a significant risk of severe haemostatic disorders. A P-LCR above 53.08% was a prognostic marker for the development of severe thrombocytopenia and vasopathy, and less than 3.11% for severe thrombocytosis. Conclusions. The study found that platelet indices are prognostic markers of the severity of haemostatic disorders induced by herpes infection in children. Thus, a decrease in MPV and PDW is a prognostic marker of severe thrombocytopenia and vasopathy, and an increase in PCT and P-LCR is a prognostic marker of severe haemostatic disorders. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee for all participants. Informed consent was obtained from patients (parents of children or their guardians). The authors declare no conflict of interest.