Mean platelet volume is a significant biomarker in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Abstract

In order to reduce negative appendectomy (NA) rate, red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were investigated. But, their combined role on the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) with a control group of NA have not been established. A total of 530 patients who underwent appendectomy with the pre-diagnosis of AA were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: 1) 469 AA, and 2) 61 NA. Diagnostic value of statistically significant parameters, white blood cell (WBC) and MPV were analyzed with ROC analysis. Median WBC and mean MPV values were found to be significantly higher in AA group (12.9 /μL, range: 3.4-83.7 vs. 11 /μL, range: 3.4-39.9; and 9.6±1.5 fL vs. 9.1±1.5 fL) ( P =0.002 and 0.018). Mean RDW and median NLR were found to be similar. Combined sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of WBC and MPV for recommended cut-off values were 67.4%, 72.7%, 96.1% and 17.9%, respectively. Among other inflammation related CBC parameters, increased MPV and its combination with WBC may be used as a valuable tool for the differential diagnosis of AA.