From the Research
MPV on a CBC is a crucial parameter that provides valuable information about the average size of platelets in the blood, and its interpretation is essential for diagnosing and managing various clinical conditions, particularly cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as highlighted in a recent study 1.
Importance of MPV in Clinical Practice
MPV, or Mean Platelet Volume, is a measurement of the average size of platelets in the blood, with a normal range typically between 7.5 and 12.0 femtoliters (fL). Higher MPV values indicate larger, younger, and more reactive platelets, while lower values suggest smaller, potentially older platelets.
- Elevated MPV may indicate increased platelet production, which occurs in conditions like immune thrombocytopenia, Bernard-Soulier syndrome, or May-Hegglin anomaly.
- Decreased MPV might suggest conditions like Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome or certain types of thrombocytopenia.
- MPV should be evaluated in context with platelet count and other clinical findings, as high MPV with low platelet count often suggests increased bone marrow production trying to compensate for peripheral platelet destruction.
Clinical Implications and Management
The most recent and highest quality study 2 suggests that high MPV values discovered incidentally in healthy naïve subjects may indicate the development or presence of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes.
- No specific medication is typically prescribed based solely on MPV values; instead, treatment addresses the underlying condition causing the abnormal MPV.
- Regular monitoring of MPV trends over time can be more informative than a single measurement, allowing for early detection and management of potential cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as supported by a comprehensive literature review 1 and a brief review discussing underutilized components of the CBC, including MPV 3.