Mean platelet volume is decreased in HIV-infected women

Objectives HIV infection is associated with higher than expected cardiovascular event rates and lowered platelet counts. These conditions are associated with an elevation of mean platelet volume (MPV). The present study compared MPV in HIV-infected and uninfected women and identified factors influencing MPV values in HIV-infected women. Methods A total of 234 HIV-infected and 134 HIV-uninfected participants from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) had MPV values obtained. HIV-infected women were older, were more likely to have diabetes and had higher triglyceride levels than HIV-uninfected women. Results The mean platelet count was lower in HIV-infected vs. uninfected women [249 cells/μL (95% confidence interval (CI) 238, 259 cells/μL) vs. 276 cells/μL (95% CI 265, 287 cells/μL), respectively; P