Usefulness of Mean Platelet Volume as a Predictor of Activity and Severity in Patients with Syphilis: An Applied Study in Cuba
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56147/jidpc.2.3.23Keywords:
- Syphilis,
- Mean platelet volume,
- Biomarkers,
- Inflammation,
- Hematologic diagnosis,
- Infectious disease monitoring
Abstract
Background: Syphilis is a persistent sexually transmitted infection with diagnostic limitations in low-resource settings. The need for accessible biomarkers that complement clinical-laboratory diagnosis has promoted interest in Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) as a relevant hematological parameter.
Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) as a marker of activity and severity in syphilis after treatment.
Methods: Applied prospective study (July 2024-May 2025) in 88 patients with confirmed syphilis. MPV, Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), platelet count and VDRL titers were measured at diagnosis and 30 days after benzathine penicillin treatment. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, Student’s t-test and ROC analysis were used.
Results: MPV significantly increased post-treatment (6.9 ± 1.1 fL vs. 8.8 ± 1.0 fL; p<0.001). There was an inverse correlation with VDRL titers (r=−0.57; p<0.01). ROC curve showed an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.74–0.91), with 81% sensitivity and 76% specificity for an MPV cut-off <7.5 fL.
Conclusion: MPV is a practical, accessible and effective biomarker for monitoring syphilis activity and treatment response in resource-limited settings, compatible with primary care practice.
