This article will discuss the Platelet distribution width, its range, symptoms and test procedure.
Platelet Distribution Width (PDW)
Platelet Distribution width (PDW) is the procedure of measuring the variation in platelet size. It marks the activation and function of platelets and its activation. PDW is used to determine the cause of abnormal amounts of platelets. Deviation from the normal range of PDW ranges implicates the abnormality.
What Are the Values of PDW?
The normal value of PDW is considered in the range of 9% to 17%. Anything lower than 9% and higher than 17% has health implications and conditions. A high PDW value indicates a larger variation of size and can be linked with greater activation of platelets. Similarly, a Lower value of PDW is linked to more uniform platelet size and suggests normal platelet function.
Which Health Conditions Are Related to PDW?
PDW is linked with various health conditions like vascular disease, specific cancers, diabetes mellitus, respiratory disorders and cardio-cerebrovascular disorders. It is very important to do regular monitoring of PDW value in blood tests as this may indicate the above diseases and disorders. It is also linked with increased morbidity and mortality.
What are the Causes of PDW?
There are various factors related to the condition of PDW, some of the conditions are listed as:
- Bone marrow disorders: Bone marrow conditions like aplastic anaemia can lead to this condition.
- Chronic Inflammatory Condition: These conditions can cause consistent platelet size which can lead to low platelet distribution width.
- Autoimmune diseases can also play a role in low PDW.
- Kidney infections can also sometimes cause low PDW.
- Vascular disease may be linked with blood vessel disease.
- Cancer can be linked with certain cancers. Like pancreatic, gastric, colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
- Aging can cause progressive platelet activation which might increase the range of platelet size.
- A person having a deficiency of iron can be linked with PDW.
What are the Symptoms of PDW?
Any deviation from the normal range, PDW shows the symptoms and both low and high PDW have different symptoms. Here is the list of symptoms due to low PDW value:
Low PDW Symptoms:
- Enlarged Spleen
- Fatigue
- Blood in the stool or black-colored stool
- Blood presence in urine wand can look brown, red or pink.
- Small red or purple spots on skill which are allied petechiae.
- Heavy periods
- Muscle pain
- Internal bleeding
- Purpura etc.
High PDW Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Changes in vision
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Cancer
- Bleeding complications
- Thyroid malignancies
- Blood clotting
- Vascular diseases
- Bruising easily etc.
What is the Procedure for the Platelets Distribution Width Test?
A person going for the test doesn’t need fasting, he can eat and drink with routine.
However, patients can consult the doctor before going for the test for any precaution. Test results may vary a bit because different labs have different procedures and methodologies. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.PDW is a simple platelet index, which increases during platelet activation. PDW is a more specific marker of platelet activation since it does not increase during simple platelet swelling. The PDW test, which is usually done along with some additional tests as a part of CBC, can help your doctor investigate multiple conditions, including thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and thrombocytosis (high platelet count). Your doctor may suggest the PDW test if you experience excessive bleeding or bruising or if you have conditions that can affect your platelet count, such as iron deficiency anaemia.
Conclusion
Platelet Distribution width (PDW) is the procedure of measuring the variation in platelet size. It marks the activation and function of platelets and its activation. PDW is used to determine the cause of abnormal amounts of platelets. The normal range of PDW ranges from 9% to 17% and anything upper or lower than the normal range has symptoms. High PDW symptoms include Difficulty breathing, Dizziness, Changes in vision, Numbness, Weakness, Headaches etc. whereas low PDW symptoms include Enlarged SpleenFatigueBlood in the stool or black-coloured stool, Blood presence in the urine and can look brown, red or pink, Small red or purple spots etc.
