The platelet in the process of its maturation is separated from its own stem cell (megakaryocyte) and then gradually, passing through several intermediate stages, it becomes a mature cell.
During maturation, intermediate platelet forms not only acquire the structures necessary for full functioning, but also decrease in size. Consequently, according to the MPV numbers, one can judge which platelets are more in the vascular bed by maturity. Normally, this figure is 7.5-12 fl (femtoliter). Its growth can have physiological significance after:
Consuming bleeding;
Extensive trauma;
Volumetric surgical intervention;
Treating anemia;
Profuse menses.
Against the background of these situations, there is a compensatory stimulation of the release of platelet cells from the bone marrow, followed by an increase in the blood of immature, more voluminous forms.
Pathological enlargement occurs when:
Autoimmune trimbocytopenia;
Congenital and hereditary syndromes;
Hyperthyroidism;
The absence of the spleen after its removal;
Hemoglobinopathy (thalassemia);
Diabetes mellitus.
A decrease in PLT volume below normal is rare, but sometimes it is noted in the case of:
Deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid (megaloblastic and aplastic anemia);
Cirrhosis of the liver;
Myelosuppression with cytostatics and chemotherapy;
Radiation damage to the bone marrow;
Splenomegaly.
MPV should be assessed strictly in conjunction with other indicators of the CBC and coagulogram. Only in this case, this parameter can have a high diagnostic value and clinical role.
