Platelet indices and plasma gelsolin in patients presenting with acute stroke

Abstract

Background: Cerebrovascular diseases are the most common and devastating disorders. Early diagnosis using biochemical tests plays a significant role. Methods: This hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study conducted over 18 months using a pre-designed structured questionnaire. Patients (n = 82) presenting with aute stroke belonged to age group of 30-85 years were included in the study. Patients with an old stroke, transient ischaemic attacks and those on antiplatelet and statin therapy were excluded. We studied the correlation between serum platelet indices and plasma gelsolin (GSN) levels in patients presenting with acute stroke. Results: Among the study participants 59.8% were males; 31.7% were 56–65 years of age. Ischaemic stroke was evident in 78.5% of the study participants; the others had haemorrhagic stroke. There was a weak negative correlation between platelets and GSN levels, which was not statistically significant. There was no correlation between platelet count and platelet distribution width (DW) and severity of the stroke, and a weak correlation was observed between mean platelet volume (MPV) and severity of stroke (r = 0.142, P = 0.21). Conclusions: MPV and pGSN can be used as an indicator to determine the severity and prognosis of the patient.

Keywords

• coronary artery disease
• plasma gelsolin
• platelet count
• stroke