Mean platelet volume and its genetic variants relate to stroke severity and 1-year mortality.

Abstract

To determine whether mean platelet volume (MPV) and selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been associated with MPV in genome-wide association studies relate to stroke severity, functional outcome on discharge, and 1-year mortality in patients with ischemic stroke, we retrospectively analyzed 577 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Genotyping of 3 SNPs (rs342293, rs1354034, rs7961894) was performed using a real-time PCR allelic discrimination assay. Multivariable regression was used to determine the association of MPV and MPV-associated SNPs with the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission, modified Rankin Scale score on discharge, and data on 1-year mortality. Rs7961894, but not rs342293 or rs1354034 SNP, was independently associated with an MPV in the highest quartile (MPV Q4). MPV Q4 was associated with significantly greater admission NIHSS (<i>p</i> = 0.006), poor discharge outcome (<i>p</i> = 0.034), and worse 1-year mortality (<i>p</i> = 0.033). After adjustment for pertinent covariates, MPV Q4 remained independently associated with a greater admission NIHSS score (<i>p</i> = 0.025). The T>C variant of rs7961894 SNP was an independent marker of a lower 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.70; <i>p</i> = 0.006) in the studied population. MPV is a marker of stroke severity and T>C variant of rs7961894 is independently associated with greater MPV in acute phase of ischemic stroke and relates to decreased 1-year mortality after stroke.