Analysis of Platelet indices in various Hematological and Non- hematological disorders in a Tertiary care institute

Abstract

Background: Platelet indices, including platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT), have been reported to be altered in various hematological and non-hematological disorders. This study aimed to analyze platelet indices in different hematological and non-hematological disorders in a tertiary care institute in northern India. Methods: A total of 1701 cases, including 1317 (77.4%) hematological disorders and 384 (22.6%) non-hematological disorders, were analyzed retrospectively. Platelet indices were compared between hematological and non-hematological disorders and among different hematological disorders using appropriate statistical tests. Correlations between platelet indices and age, hemoglobin, and white blood cell (WBC) count were also assessed. Results: Hematological disorders had significantly higher PC (268.4 ± 107.4 × 10⁹/L vs. 245.7 ± 98.3 × 10⁹/L, p = 0.001), MPV (10.5 ± 1.7 fL vs. 10.2 ± 1.6 fL, p = 0.003), PDW (15.5 ± 2.4% vs. 15.1 ± 2.4%, p = 0.007), and PCT (0.28 ± 0.11% vs. 0.25 ± 0.10%, p < 0.001) compared to non-hematological disorders. Among anemia subtypes, macrocytic anemia had the lowest PC and the highest MPV and PDW (p < 0.001). Thrombocytosis had a higher PC and PCT and lower MPV and PDW compared to thrombocytopenia (p < 0.001). Age, hemoglobin, and WBC count showed significant correlations with platelet indices (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Platelet indices differ significantly between hematological and nonhematological disorders and among various hematological disorders. The findings highlight the potential utility of platelet indices as diagnostic and prognostic markers in these disorders. Further studies are needed to validate their clinical significance and establish their role in disease management.