Mean Platelet Volume Predicts Severe COVID-19 Illness

The parameter mean platelet volume (MPV) is a simple and relatively inexpensive laboratory measure that reliably reflects platelet size. Evidence has been provided that increased MPV values may be a hallmark of several thrombotic disorders, including acute coronary syndrome, stroke, venous thromboembolism, abdominal vein thrombosis, and even preeclampsia.[1] Although the clinical significance of this laboratory parameter remains only partially unraveled, an enhanced MPV value mirrors the presence of large (mostly reticulated) platelets in the circulation, which are essentially hyperactivated and hyperreactive elements, thus justifying their frequent association with vascular thrombosis.[2]