Association of hematological parameters (mean platelet volume and red cell distribution width) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to compare mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW) values of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with the normal population and also assess the correlation of MPV and RDW with grades of NAFLD. Methods: An observational case–control study was conducted over a period of 21 months (November 2018–July 2020). Sixty-five patients with NAFLD and 65 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demography, symptoms of the patients, and clinical investigations comprising hematological profile, liver enzyme tests, lipid profile, and viral markers were done. Ultrasound liver was done to assess the grading of NAFLD. The outcome measures were correlation between RDW, MPV, and NAFLD grade. Results: The median of RDW in cases was 14.5% which was significantly higher as compared to controls 12.4% (P < 0.05). The median MPV (μm3) in cases was significantly higher than controls (11.4 vs. 9, P < 0.05). The mean RDW (%) in Grade 3 was significantly higher as compared to Grade 2 and Grade 1 (17.04 vs. 14.63 vs. 12.95, P < 0.05). The mean MPV (μm3) in Grade 3 was significantly higher as compared to Grade 2 and Grade 1 (13.32 vs. 11.43 vs. 8.96, P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was seen between grade of fatty liver with MPV (r = 0.908, P < 0.0001) and RDW (r = 0.892, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Overall, our study results show increased MPV and RDW in cases as compared to controls with significant correlation with liver grade, suggesting that these markers can be used to assess the onset and severity of NAFLD.

Keywords

• mean platelet volume
• nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• red cell distribution width