Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Distribution Width during Childhood

II. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Various Kinds of Thrombocytosis

Abstract

We examined mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and with various kinds of thrombocytosis. MPV was remarkably small at the onset of acute ITP and large during recovery phase. MPV normalized when platelet count reached the normal level. MPV and PDW was large at a low platelet count level in children with chronic ITP and normalized as the platelet count increased to the normal range. There were many cases of thrombocytosis in newborns and infants which occurred in conjunction with infectious disease, respiratory disease, hematological disorder, surgery, bleeding and chemotherapy of malignant tumors. Under these conditions the MPV was found to be significantly low and the PDW in the normal range.