Objective: Cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors are more frequently encountered in depressive patients. Mean platelet volume (MPV) measurement is a simple and easy method of assessing platelet function. The aim of this study was to assess the MPV levels in patients with first-episode depression.
Methods: The study included 61 patients with depression and 61 control subjects. MPV values were measured in all study patients and control subjects. Age, gender and body mass index were matched. There was no history of cardiovascular disease in patients and controls. Depression was diagnosed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR. Depression severity was evaluated by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale.
Results: There was no significant difference in MPV values between patients with depression and controls (8.0±1.1 vs. 8.1±0.8 fL, respectively; p=0.27). Also no significant difference in platelet counts was found (251.3±57.9 vs. 248.2±56.3×109/L, respectively; p=0.76). There was no correlation between MPV and MADRS score (p=0.10, r=-0.20), and depression duration (p=0.60, r=-0.06).
Conclusion: In contrary to previous studies, we have found no association of MPV in patients with first episode depression.