Abstract
Background Acute coronary syndromes refer to STEMI, NSTEMI and unstable angina. The preferred biomarkers for assessing myocardial damage are cTnI and cTnT, and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays are recommended in clinical practice. Other biomarkers such as CK-MB have lower sensitivity and specificity. Platelets play a major role in thrombosis, which is a causative factor for most acute coronary syndromes. In our study, we attempted to analyze the effectiveness of platelet indices (mean platelet volume, platelet count, and platelet distribution width) as diagnostic and prognostic markers in acute coronary syndromes. Our data suggest that mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width are potential diagnostic markers, and plateletcrits can serve as prognostic markers. Methods A total of 290 subjects were recruited for the study, including 145 cases and 145 controls matched for sex and age. Cases presented with the first episode of acute coronary syndrome. Controls are those without acute coronary syndrome during present admission or in the past. Results MPV and plateletcrit correlated with both troponin T and pro-BNP, whereas PDW showed a positive correlation only with troponin T. The only significant correlation was between the plateletcrit and pro-BNP levels. The plateletcrit showed a positive correlation with other parameters (degree of ventricular dysfunction, severity of coronary artery disease, and presence of arrhythmia). On comparing platelet indices with risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, MPV showed a positive correlation with HbA1c and the entire lipid profile, whereas PDW showed a positive correlation only with HbA1c and triglycerides. The plateletcrit was positively correlated with HbA1c and total cholesterol levels. Conclusions Our data suggest that mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width are potential diagnostic markers, whereas plateletcrits can serve as prognostic markers.