Evaluation of platelet distribution width in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with pulmonary embolism

Background: Platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between platelet distribution width (PDW) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with PE. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using 126 COPD patients with PE and 51 COPD patients without PE. Blood biomarkers, including PDW and D-dimer, were included. Odds ratios (OR) associated with PDW and interactions with D-dimer, SpO(2) were estimated for PE. Results: PDW was higher in the COPD patients with PE group (p = 0.007). A higher PDW had a significantly increased risk of PE than a lower PDW (adjusted OR 2.724, 95% CI: 1.290-5.753). Conclusion: PDW are elevated in COPD patients with PE and are associated with the risk of PE.