Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width in non-diabetic subjects with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome: New indices of severity?

Abstract

Aim of the study: To evaluate Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in non-diabetic subjects, according to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) severity and the associations of these indices with anthropometric characteristics and parameters of breathing function during sleep.

Materials and methods: We included 610 non-diabetic subjects with suspected OSAS, evaluated by polysomnography. According to their apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), patients were divided into Group A (n = 148) with AHI < 5/h; Group B (n = 121) with AHI: 5–14.9/h; Group C (n = 85) with AHI: 15–29.9/h and Group D (n = 256) with AHI ≥ 30/h. MPV and PDW were measured using an automated blood cell counter.

Results: MPV was significantly higher in group D (mean value 12.1 ± 1.3 fl) than in groups A (9.8 ± 1.1 fl), B (9.8 ± 1.6 fl), and C (11.5 ± 1.3 fl) (p < 0.001). The same pattern was observed in PDW values (15.9 ± 2.2 fl for group D and 13.2 ± 2.2 fl for group A, 14.1 ± 2.8 fl for group B, and 15 ± 2.2 fl for group C, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were seen between MPV and AHI (p < 0.001), average pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) (p < 0.001), minimum SpO₂ (p < 0.001) and percent of the total sleep time with SpO₂ lower than 90% (t < 90%) (p < 0.001) during sleep, Arousal Index (p < 0.001) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) (p = 0.028). Similarly, PDW was correlated with AHI (p < 0.001), average SpO₂ (p = 0.001), minimum SpO₂ (p < 0.001), t < 90% (p = 0.002), and Arousal Index (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: MPV and PDW are higher in non-diabetic patients with severe OSAS and are correlated with different parameters of breathing function during sleep.

• Mean platelet volume
• obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
• platelet distribution width
• platelets