Mean Platelet Volume as a Novel Biomarker for Early Detection of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center in Jharkhand.

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide, diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major contributor to end-stage renal disease. Early detection remains challenging, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers. Platelet activation and size, as indicated by Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), have emerged as a potential marker for diabetic microvascular complications. To evaluate the association between MPV and DN in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and assess its utility as an early diagnostic marker.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five T2DM patients aged >40 years were included in a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center. Participants were categorized into nephropathy ( n = 73) and non-nephropathy ( n = 52) groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). MPV was measured using automated hematology analyzers. Statistical analyses included correlation studies, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The nephropathy group demonstrated significantly elevated MPV levels compared to the nonnephropathy group (12.30 ± 1.55 vs. 9.61 ± 1.2 fl, P < 0.001). MPV showed strong correlations with diabetes duration (rs = 0.543, P < 0.001), eGFR (rs = -0.581, P < 0.001), and UACR (rs = 0.585, P < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed an optimal MPV cutoff of 11.04 fL for predicting nephropathy with 85.6% accuracy, 89.0% sensitivity, and 80.8% specificity. Each unit increase in MPV was associated with a 3.65-fold increased risk of nephropathy (odds ratio: 3.650, 95% confidence interval: 2.320-5.750, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MPV represents a simple, cost-effective biomarker for early detection of DN in T2DM patients. Its incorporation into routine clinical assessment could facilitate timely intervention and improve patient outcomes.