Background Platelets play a vital role in thrombus formation and propagation and are thus implicated in the pathogenesis and morbidity of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). A whole blood count can be used to objectively measure platelet function through platelet indices, namely platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and plateletcrit.

Objective This study examined how platelet indices (PDW, MPV, and plateletcrit) affect the CVST severity and functional outcome.

Methodology In this prospective, longitudinal, observational study, 66 patients with CVST from a tertiary care referral center were enrolled. A complete blood count including platelet indices was obtained using an automated hematology analyzer. Patients with and without parenchymal abnormalities on brain imaging were classified as having severe and nonsevere CVST, respectively. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to examine functional outcomes at admission and after 90 days. The patients were categorized into low mRS (0–1) and high mRS (2–6) functional groups.

Results The patients with severe CVST were older (p < 0.05) and exhibited abnormally large PDW (p < 0.05) which were statistically significant. Severe CSVT also had poor functional outcome score both at admission (p < 0.05) and 90 days later (p < 0.05) which were statistically significant. Multiple logistic regression analysis concluded age and PDW as the independent predictors of severe CVST (p < 0.05). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a cut-off value of 16.5 for PDW could predict CVST severity (p < 0.05). Patients with high mRS scores at admission had significantly larger PDW. At 90 days, no association was noted between PDW and mRS scores. MPV and plateletcrit levels were similar in both the severe and nonsevere CVST groups and exerted no effect on functional outcomes. PDW was significantly and inversely related to plateletcrit (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Severe CVST and PDW had a positive correlation. During the early phases of admission, PDW levels above a particular threshold were associated with poor functional outcomes; however, no such association was observed after 90 days. MPV and plateletcrit exerted no effect on CVST severity and prognosis.

Data are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Article published online:
21 July 2022

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