Mean Platelet Volume: A New Predictor in Confirming Acute Appendicitis Diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of mean platelet volume (MPV) in acute appendicitis (AA). Methods: Our study was carried out in 206 healthy control groups and 226 patients who had a preliminary diagnosis of AA. Results: A statistically significant decrease in MPV was noted in patients with AA compared with healthy controls (P < .001). The best MPV level cutoff point for AA was 7.6 fL, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 73%, 84%, 84%, and 74%, respectively. Conclusions: As the MPV value is included in the complete blood count (CBC) analysis, it increases the sensitivity and NPVs of white blood cell (WBC) in AA diagnosis without the need for extra analyses, loss of time, or cost increase. Therefore, we believe that the MPV value should also be taken into consideration along with the WBC in every patient with suspected AA.