Elevated beta-thromboglobulin and mean platelet volume levels may show persistent platelet activation in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Abstract

Background. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have anincreased risk of thrombotic events. Platelets become more active and they enlarge torelease proteins from alpha granules for aggregation during the plaque formation period. Beta-thromboglobulin isone of the proteins released from alpha-granules when platelets are activated and used as a marker ofplatelet activation invivo. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of beta-thromoglobulin and mean platelet volume as markers of the presence ofplatelet activation insystemic lupus erythematosus patients compared with healthy controls. Material and methods. Thirty-seven SLE patients with a mean disease duration of4.96years and without any organ involvement as well as 30 healthy volunteers were included in the study. All patients were inremission ofSLE. Results. Themean beta-thromboglobulin level was 97.36±55.8ng/mL inthe SLE group and 72.67±33.5ng/mL inthe control group (p = 0.029). The mean platelet volume level was 8.27 ±1.68 fL inthe SLE group and 9.16 ±1.52 fL (p = 0.031) inthe controls. Conclusions. Elevated beta-thromboglobulin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients may be associated with platelet activation inthe early stages ofdisease, whereas lower mean platelet volume levels inthe same population may be due tothe effects ofhydroxychloroquine and the inactivity ofSLE.