Abstract :
Introduction: Automated haematology analysers measure several haematological parameters including
platelet indices importantly PDW, MPV and Plateletcrit. PDW has been receiving attention among
all platelet indices due to its usefulness for distinguishing between reactive thrombocytosis and clonal
thrombocytosis.
Objectives: 1.To compare the PDW values in Normal Individuals and in patients with thrombocytosis.
2.To analyse the utility of PDW in patients with Thrombocytosis.
Materials and Methods: T his prospective observational study was conducted in central laboratory of
Dr B R Ambedkar Medical college Hospital, a tertiary care hospital. PDW values which were obtained by
automated haematoanalyser HORIBA were tabulated and compared in 250 individuals with normal platelet
count and 250 cases of thrombocytosis. Detail analysis of PDW values were interpreted in thrombocytosis
cases to study its utility.
Results: An increase in mean PDW was observed in patients with thrombocytosis when compared with
individuals with normal platelet count. Mean PDWshowed variations in patients with thrombocytosis with
varied underlying aetiologies.
Conclusion: PDW is a simple platelet index which increases during platelet activation. PDW is more
specific marker of platelet activation since it does not increase during simple platelet swelling.
Keyword :
PDW, Thrombocytosis, Variations, Reactive thrombocytosis.