Plateletcrit and Mean Platelet Volume in the Evaluation of Liver Cirrhosis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Egyptian Patients

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis represent significant global health concerns, often diagnosed through invasive methods like liver biopsy. Identifying non-invasive biomarkers for these conditions could greatly enhance early detection and management. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between Procalcitonin (PCT) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) levels and hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis. Methods: a case-control study included 133 participants divided into NAFLD patients, cirrhotic patients, and a healthy control group, recruited from Menoufia University hospital between April 2022 and May 2023. Demographic data, clinical parameters, and laboratory findings, including PCT and MPV levels, were collected and analyzed. Results: Both NAFLD and cirrhotic patients exhibited significantly higher PCT levels compared to the control group, with PCT levels increasing in accordance with the degree of hepatic steatosis. MPV levels were also marginally elevated in patient groups versus controls. However, Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) levels did not correlate with hepatic steatosis severity. Additional findings indicated a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the NAFLD and cirrhotic groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and several other factors as significant predictors of NAFLD and cirrhosis. Conclusion: PCT and MPV levels are significantly associated with NAFLD and cirrhosis, suggesting their potential utility as non-invasive markers for detecting these liver conditions. However, further research is warranted to explore their diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability.