Identification of Inherited Macrothrombocytopenias Based on Mean Platelet Volume among Patients Diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia.

Inherited macrothrombocytopenia is a rare illness that is often misdiagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP), a more widespread acquired disease. The hallmark of a diagnosis of these diseases is the presence of giant platelets. Automated blood cell counters in routine clinical use usually miss giant platelets and underestimate mean platelet volume (MPV). Incorrect diagnoses might expose patients to a risk of unnecessary treatment. The ADVIA 120 hematology counter efficiently detects large platelets based on two-dimensional laser light scatter. This two-dimensional approach provides a more accurate estimation of platelet volume than conventional one-dimensional analysis. The present study measures and re-evaluates MPV using the ADVIA 120 in 112 patients who had initially been diagnosed with ITP.