Red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume as an inflammatory marker in multiple sclerosis

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the possible association between MS and hemogram parameters (RDW and MPV and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the files of MS patients. Hemogram parameters were evaluated between attack and remission period and with control subjects. For each group, leukocyte count (WBC), neutrophil count (neu), lymphocyte count (lym), Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (Htc), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: 48 MS patients’ age and gender were not significantly different from 51 control subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between study and control groups in terms of WBC, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, Hb, Htc, MCV and platelet count (all p>0.05). RDW was significantly increased in MS patients within attack period. MPV was also significantly increased in patients with MS compared to control subjects. We showed that only RDW was significantly decreased, others not changed, in study group in remission period compared to attack period (p<0.001). Discussion and Conclusion: This is the first report in literature that pointed an association between MS and hemogram parameters; RDW and MPV. We initially showed that, increase in both MPV and RDW may suggest the relationship with inflammatuary response in MS patients’ attack period. Secondly, RDW should be a good marker of treatment follow up for MS patients due to substantial decrease in remission period. Prospective studies with larger cohort are needed for the sake of more meaningful suggestions.