Prognostic significance of mean platelet volume to platelet count ratio in pediatric patients with acute kidney injury

Background. Mean platelet volume (MPV), which is regarded as a marker of thrombocyte function and activation, is related to increased morbidity and mortality. In critically ill patients, the ratio of MPV to platelets can independently predict adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio (MPR) for mortality in children with acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods. In this retrospective study, patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between March 2020 and June 2022 were evaluated. Patients between 1 month and 18 years of age with AKI were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between survivors and non-survivors. The MPR ratio was calculated on the first and third days of admission to the intensive care unit. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between MPR and mortality. ROC curves were used for the prediction performance of the logistic regression models and cut-off values of the thrombocyte indices. Results. Sixty-three children with AKI were included in the study. The total mortality rate was 34.9% (n=22). MPR ratios were significantly higher in the non-survivors at admission (p=0.042) and at the 72nd hour (p=0.003). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, thrombocyte counts and MPR72h ratio were found to be independent risk parameters for adverse outcomes in children with AKI. Conclusions. MPR is an inexpensive and practical marker that may predict the outcome of children with AKI.