Can mean platelet volume and red blood cell distribution width show disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis?

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW), and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Patients & methods: Hundred RA and 100 controls were included.

Results: MPV and RDW were higher in RA (p < 0.0001). The cut-off levels of RDW and MPV were 14.8 and 10.4. Patients with RDW >14.8 had higher Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28; p = 0.002) and pain score (p = 0.0007). RDW was positively correlated with DAS28 and pain. But, DAS28 and pain were not different between patients with MPV >10.4 and <10.4.

Conclusion: MPV and RDW were significantly higher in RA. RDW and MPV were similar to erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein to indicate inflammatory activity. RDW was correlated with pain and DAS28, but MPV was not associated with them.

Keywords: C-reactive protein; Disease Activity Score 28; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; mean platelet volume; red cell distribution width; rheumatoid arthritis.