Mean platelet volume is significantly associated with serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in a cohort of older euthyroid subjects.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This retrospective and observational study aimed to establish whether any relationship exists between the values of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and those of the mean platelet volume (MPV) in a large cohort of older euthyroid Italian subjects. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study population was represented by a cohort of 1,050 ostensibly healthy and euthyroid patients aged 50 years and older, who were referred for screening of thyroid disorders over a 1-year period. RESULTS: A significant association was found between MPV and TSH values in both simple (r = 0.12; p < 0.001) and multivariable regression analysis (beta coefficient, 0.07; p < 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, free thyroxin values and platelet count. After stratification of the study population according to quartiles of serum TSH levels, a graded increase of MPV values was found from the first to the fourth quartile of TSH (p = 0.013). The odds ratio for an increased MPV value of the fourth versus the first quartile of TSH was 1.54 (95% CI, 1.08-2.20; p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation demonstrate that a significant, positive and independent association exists between MPV and serum TSH values in a large cohort of older euthyroid Italian subjects.