Platelet mass index – a pre-diagnostic tool for infectious mononucleosis

Abstract

Objective: As a member of the human herpesvirus family, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primarily replicates in lymphocytes but also may replicate in the epithelial cells of the pharynx and parotid duct. The infection is spread primarily by saliva and the incubation period is four to eight weeks. Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a clinical syndrome caused by EBV that is particularly common in adolescents and children. Typical features of IM include fever, pharyngitis, adenopathy, malaise, and an atypical lymphocytosis. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, jaundice, and splenic rupture can occur. The platelet mass index (PMI) is related to platelet functionality and platelet function has an effect on the inflammation cascade. This study is planned to examine the role of PMI in the pre-diagnosis of IM. Methods: Between the years 2010-2019, 274 patients who were tested for EBV antibodies were included in the study and the PMI values of EBV positive group was compared to EBV negative and the control group. Results: EBV positive group has lower PMI values than EBV negative and control group. Conclusion: EPMI can be easily calculated using a CBC test and can be a used as a pre-diagnostic tool for the existence of IM.