Could platelet indices have diagnostic properties in children with COVID-19?

INTRODUCTION

Viral infections are often accompanied by reactive thrombocytosis, that is, increased activity of platelets, which is especially common in infants and children.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test the diagnostic properties of platelet indices, plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), in children with beta corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

METHODS

The study included 232 patients below the age of 18 admitted to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) isolation wards at the Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina. PCT, MPV and PDW values on the day of admission were recorded. In total, 245 controls were selected from those treated for SARS-CoV-2 negative respiratory infections. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

MPV and PDW were found important as independent predictors for COVID-19 in children. Furthermore, the joint effect of MPV and PDW for predicting COVID-19 was confirmed. The parameters showed better sensitivity than specificity.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that PCT is not clinically significant, while MPV and PDW have diagnostic value in predicting COVID-19 in children. In perspective, these parameters could be implemented in the various learning algorithms in order to achieve earlier diagnosis and treatment.