Mean Platelet Volume Is a Poor Prognostic Factor in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mean platelet volume (MPV) reflects platelet activation. Platelets have an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we wanted to investigate the effect of MPV on survival in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All data of 376 patients who underwent LT and pathologically diagnosed with HCC were analyzed. By determining the cut-off of MPV (10.2 fL), 2 groups with high and low MPV were formed. The groups were compared within themselves. Factors affecting survival were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

When the groups were compared, patients with low MPV had significantly higher platelet counts, larger tumor sizes, lower BMI, and higher recurrence rates. In multivariate analysis, GGT >104, AFP >200 μg/L, largest tumor diameter >5 cm, and lower MPV were found to be independent risk factors that affected the prognosis. Tumor-free survival was significantly worse in the lower MPV group (P = .002).

CONCLUSION

Pre-transplant low MPV may be useful in predicting poor prognosis and a high rate of tumor recurrence in patients with HCC after liver transplantation.