Platelet Indices in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a prevalent kidney disease characterized by a significant risk of morbidity. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the mean platelet volume in children with nephrotic syndrome and controls and compare the groups of patients. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the pediatric nephrology ward at Zahedan University, Iran, on 491 participants consisting of 333 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and 156 healthy children. Changes in platelet count and mean platelet volume were evaluated in the groups of nephrotic syndrome and healthy children, as well as in steroid-resistant and steroid-responsive patients. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 20 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). The levels of p-value and confidence coefficient were considered 0.05 and 95%, respectively. Results: The mean platelet count changed significantly in the steroid-responsive, steroid-resistant, and control groups. The mean platelet volume was also significantly different in the steroid-responsive, steroid-resistant, and control groups. In the patients, the mean platelet counts were 413.26 ± 131.81 and 331.26 ± 102.28 (P 0.001) in those with active phase and remission, respectively. The differences between mean platelet volumes were 8.28 ± 1.22 and 7.96 ± 1.04 (P 0.001) in those with active phase and remission, respectively. Platelet count and mean platelet volume had no significant correlation with cholesterol, albumin, and protein/creatinine ratio in the patients (r 0.05). Conclusions: The study concluded that platelet count was highest in the resistant group compared with responders and controls, while the mean platelet volume showed the opposite result. We suggest evaluating these indicators to predict the prognosis of nephrotic syndrome in children.