Background

Inflammation is a very important factor that augments the entire process of atherosclerosis. Platelets have a major role in the pathogenesis of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), where plaque rupture is followed by platelet activation and thrombus formation leading to coronary artery occlusion. Platelets vary in size and activity. When platelets are activated they become larger in size, which can be measured by both larger mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Larger platelets are more adhesive and tend to aggregate more than smaller ones. This increase in platelet volume will increase the tendency for coronary thrombus formation in ACS patients. Platelet distribution width (PDW), a direct measure of the variability of platelet size. Therefore, the PDW can be an indicator of platelet activation.

We aimed to investigate the association between the pre procedural PDW and outcomes of patients with ACS underwent primary PCI via transradial approach(TRA).

Methods

A total of 679 consecutive patients with ACS (320 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 359 patients with unstable angina pectoris) underwent primary PCI via TRA were enrolled in retrospective study. According to levels of PDW, patients were divided into tertiles. Coronary angiographic evaluation and/or primary PCI and transthoracic echocardiography were performed for each patient. Blood samples were obtained in the emergency room on admission.