Discriminative value of platelet size indices for the identification of the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.
BACKGROUND
A biomarker for discriminating mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) (i.e. increased platelet destruction and decreased platelet production) would be valuable in managing treatment.


OBJECTIVE
We explored the discriminating value of platelet size indices for this purpose in a population of adult oncology patients.


METHODS
Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were compared between patients with (i) thrombocytopenia possibly due to increased platelet destruction; (ii) thrombocytopenia possibly due to decreased platelet destruction; and (iii) no thrombocytopenia.


CONCLUSIONS
We obtained negative results, suggesting that these indices are not useful for discriminating different CIT mechanisms.
Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Maarten J
MJ
ten Berg
Albert
A
Huisman
Patricia M L A
PM
van den Bemt
Hanneke
H
den Breeijen
Toine C G
TC
Egberts
Wouter W
WW
van Solinge
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological / Q000097:blood*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000473:pathology*; D048429:Cell Size / Q000187:drug effects*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D010976:Platelet Count; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological