Relationship between vitamin D levels and platelet count: A retrospective study

Abstract

Aims: Vitamin D deficiency, increase in mean platelet volume (MPV) and high platelet counts are related to several diseases. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between vitamin D status and platelet count, MPV, age, gender, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and uric acid on patients. Methods: This study included 899 patients, who did not have any chronic diseases and conditions that affected platelet counts. Calcium, magnesium, ALP, uric acid, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and 22 parameter hemogram; including MPV and platelet counts were analyzed. Participants were separated into three groups according to their 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels: serious deficiency (24.96 nmol/L), deficiency (24.96-49.92 nmol/L), and insufficiency (49.92-74.88 nmol/L). The difference among the groups were analyzed by using the one-way ANOVA test. The Pearson's correlation analysis was used to evaluate associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and other variables. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and platelet counts in groups (p=0.001, r=-0.108). The mean vitamin D level was 38.19±17.47 nmol/L in female participants and 42.68±12.48 nmol/L in males (p<0.001). A significant difference between platelet counts in serious vitamin D deficiency (286±68x109/L) and insufficiency groups (268±64x109/L) was also noted (p=0.008). Conclusions: There was a negative correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and platelet counts in all groups. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were associated with an increased platelet count in participants.