Mean Platelet Volume and Splenomegaly as Useful Markers of Subclinical Activity in Egyptian Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract EN

Objective.

To study whether mean platelet volume (MPV) and splenomegaly could be used as subclinical inflammatory markers in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) at the attack-free period.

Patients and Methods.

The study included ninety-seven children with FMF.

MPV was carried out within 4 hours of blood sampling according to standard laboratory practice.

Splenomegaly was determined by abdominal ultrasound (USG).

Results.

High MPV was detected in 84.45% of our studied patients and was significantly higher in FMF patients with splenomegaly than in patients without splenomegaly.

There was a statistically significant correlation between MPV and splenic span ( P = 0.045 ).

Conclusion.

Elevated MPV and its significant correlation with splenic span in FMF children during the attack-free periods support the use of MPV and splenomegaly as useful markers of the subclinical inflammation in FMF patients at the attack-free period.