Relationships between platelets and inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis

Aim of the study: To investigate platelets and different inflammatory markers in conjunction with a substantial inflammatory reaction. We used individuals with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as an experimental cohort. Methods: We selected 16 patients with active R-A having at least one affected joint. On day 1, platelet and neutrophil counts together with C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined. We further analysed platelet volume (MPV) and plasma levels of thrombopoietin (TPO), P-selectin, myeloperoxidase and interleukin 6 (IL-6). After 2 years when all patients failed to show any swollen joints all analyses were repeated. Results and conclusions: As expected platelet count, CRP and IL-6 were elevated in active RA. The measures correlated with each other thus reflecting the same characteristic of the inflammatory response. The neutrophil count, MPV and myeloperoxidase also mirror disease activity. They failed to correlate with other activity markers thus providing unique information. MPV and myeloperoxidase on day I correlated with recovery values. Therefore, they could be suitable to use when following the inflammatory reaction over a long period of time. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.