Mean platelet volume: an immanent predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients compared with interleukin-1α and interleukin-6

Background Mean platelet volume (MPV), may help to determine atherosclerosis threat. Cardiovascular disease is one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients having psoriasis. Objective To examine MPV as a biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients, compared with interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Patients and methods Psoriatic patients (n= 70) and age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls (n=60) were enrolled. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was used to assess psoriasis severity. For all enrolled participants; evaluation of MPV, IL-1α, and IL-6 serum levels, and measuring of CIMT were done. Results The mean values of MPV, IL-1, IL-6, and CIMT, all were significantly elevated in psoriatic patients than controls (P 0.05 for all). They were significantly correlated with each other (P 0.001), and with severity of psoriasis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the possible validity of MPV for detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients (sensitivity =90.9%, specificity = 61.5%, accuracy =80%, area under the curve= 0.82, P 0.001, 95% confidence interval= 0.71–92) with 8.95 fl/ml as a cutoff value. Conclusion MPV is a good sensitive test for early prediction of atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients. We recommend a follow-up large scale study on psoriasis to examine the use of antiplatelets.