Lack of association of the mean platelet volume with plasma lipids in a general population of unselected outpatients.

Background. Increased values of mean platelet volume (MPV) are frequently observed in patients with cardiovascular disorders. Limited data is available on the relationship between platelet size and plasma lipids in general populations. Methods. We retrieved results of platelet count, MPV and plasma lipids performed on a whole cohort of unselected outpatients. Cumulative results were retrieved for 4.691 outpatients. Results. A lower median MPV value was found in women than in men. In univariate analysis the MPV was inversely associated with platelet count, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and with HDL-cholesterol in males, as well as with gender, platelet count and age in the total population and in males. In the fully adjusted model, however, the association with lipid parameters completely disappeared. Conclusions. These results suggest that the atherogenic potential of larger platelets may be exerted interdepedently of dyslipidemia, and results of epidemiological studies involving MPV should be systematically adjusted for gender, age and platelet count.