Platelet Parameters in Hepatic Hydatid Cysts

Background. Hepatic hydatid cyst infection is caused by microorganisms named Echinococcus which belong to family Taeniidae. Platelets are considered as a mediator in inflammation and infectious diseases because of the various proinflammatory substances that they contain. Design and Methods. Thirty-three patients who were admitted to Do？ubayaz？t State Hospital’s General Surgery Clinic with a diagnosis of hepatic cyst hydatid were enrolled in this retrospective study. Laboratory data of the patients in pre- and postoperative periods were obtained from computerized medical records database of the hospital. Results. Preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) of the patients was significantly increased compared to postoperative MPV values. Conclusion. We claim that MPV is a useful follow-up marker after surgery in patients with hydatid cyst. 1. Introduction Hepatic hydatid cyst is caused by microorganisms named Echinococcus which belong to family Taeniidae. The infection gives rise to cysts formations in intermediate hosts. These cysts are named as hydatid cysts. Although hydatid cysts may occur in any internal organs, they usually develop in lungs and liver. The disease is one of the most important public health issues in developing and underdeveloped regions of the world. Size, location, and manifestation of the cysts are the basis of the treatment decision. The conventional treatment option is surgery. Surgeons should be very cautious, because rupture of the cysts may occur as a complication in surgery. In selective cases, medical treatment is another treatment option. Platelets are the smallest cells in blood with a biconvex discoid shape, but they are not typical cells as they lack nucleus. When they are activated, their shape changes and they develop long pseudopods. They are considered as a mediator in inflammation because they contain various proinflammatory substances. It has been shown that platelets have ability to release bactericidal substances and are capable of engaging and encapsulating microorganisms. Furthermore, they are effective defenders in helminthic infections. Joseph et al. [1] reported that platelets can eliminate parasites independent of white blood cells. Because old platelets shrink, an increase in releasing of young platelets from bone marrow causes an elevation in mean platelet volume (MPV) value as seen in conditions associated with increased platelet production and/or destruction. Expression of CD62P and CD63 and concentration of beta thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4, which reflect platelet activation, have been shown to