Mean platelet volume in acute phase of ischemic stroke, as predictor of mortality and functional outcome after 1 year.

BACKGROUND: Mean platelet volume (MPV) could be a predictor of prognosis after ischemic stroke. Our aim is to investigate the association of MPV with a greater mortality and morbidity (defined as readmissions) after 1 year of follow-up in patients with acute stroke, and with a poor functional outcome in these patients.

METHODS: Patients with ischemic stroke (N = 379) were recruited and assessed for an average of 46.27 weeks. MPV was measured at admission. The sample was divided in thirds according with the tertiles of distribution of MPV. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.

RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) of MPV by third was 10 (0.7), 11(0.4), and 12 (0.8) fentoliters. Patients within highest third had a significant higher risk of either death or readmission (odds ratio 1.3; 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.7; P < .048) compared with patients within the lowest third. Functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 6, was significantly higher (P < .0004) by greater third of MPV.

CONCLUSIONS: MPV may be an easily available predictor for the prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.