Objective: Platelet activation and aggregation play major role in the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet function, is a newly emerging risk factor for atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to evaluate levels of MPV before and after the levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment in patients with overt hypothyroidism.
Materials and methods: The study included 30 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients with overt hypothyroidism and age-matched 20 healthy control subjects.
Results: The mean MPV levels of hypothyroidic patients was higher than control group (P<0.001). A significant decrease in the mean MPV level was detected after the maintenance of euthyroidism with L-T4 treatment (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Our study suggests that subjects with overt hypothyroidism tend to have increased platelet activation. This activation may cause increased risk of atherothrombotic complications that may be reversed by treatment of hypothyroidism.
ET, platelets and stroke risk
New Study: Predicted Survival in Polycythemia Vera Patients
