Macroplates, also called giant platelets, correspond to platelets of a size and volume greater than the normal of a platelet, which are about 3 mm and have a volume of 7.0 fl on average. These larger platelets are usually indicative of alterations in the platelet activation and production process, which may occur as a result of heart problems, diabetes or hematological conditions, such as leukemia and myeloproliferative syndromes.
Platelet size is assessed by observing the blood smear under the microscope and the result of the complete blood count, which should contain the quantity and volume of platelets.
Main causes of Macroplatelets
The presence of circulating macroplates in the blood is indicative of stimulation of the platelet activation process, and can be caused by several situations, the main ones being:
- Hyperthyroidism; Myeloproliferative diseases, such as essential thrombocythemia, myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera; Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; Diabetes Mellitus; Acute Myocardial Infarction; Leukemia; Myelodysplastic Syndrome; Bernard-Soulier Syndrome.
Platelets larger than normal have a higher level of activity and reactive potential, in addition to favoring thrombotic processes, since they have greater ease of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, which can be quite serious. Thus, it is important that tests are performed to know the amount of circulating platelets and their characteristics. If changes are found, it is important to identify the cause of the macroplates so that the most appropriate treatment can be started.
How identification is done
The identification of macroplates is done by means of a blood test, more specifically the complete blood count, in which all blood components, including platelets, are evaluated. Platelet evaluation is done both quantitatively and qualitatively. That is, the amount of circulating platelets is checked, whose normal value is between 150000 and 450000 platelets / µL, which may vary between laboratories, and the characteristics of the platelets.
These characteristics are observed both microscopically and through the Average Platelet Volume, or MPV, which is a laboratory parameter that indicates the volume of the platelets and, thus, it is possible to know if they are larger than normal and the level of platelet activity. Normally, the higher the MPV, the higher the platelets and the lower the total amount of platelets circulating in the blood, this is because platelets are produced and destroyed quickly. Despite being an important parameter for verifying platelet changes, the MPV values are difficult to standardize and can be interfered by other factors.
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