Association of Mean Platelet Volume and Cardiovascular Disease in Children With End Stage Renal Disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major risk factor for death in end stage renal diseases (ESRD). Approximately 80% of ESRD patients have some degrees of left ventricular abnormalities at initiation of dialysis. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) has been widely accepted as an useful marker to assess CVD in ESRD children. In addition, cardiac mechanics parameters are used to evaluate cardiac function more precisely. However, measuring CIMT and cardiac mechanics parameters are expensive and difficult to perform as a routine method. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a hematological index which shows the size of platelets. Uremic state causes inflammatory condition that affects MPV. Previous studies on people with normal renal function have shown that this parameter can also have association with CVD. However the data in children with ESRD is scarce. The aim of this study is to find a simple hematologic marker to use regularly in ESRD children finding patients at risk of CVD. Therefore, we will investigate the relationship between mean platelet volume and CIMT and cardiac mechanic parameters in children with ESRD.