“We aim to validate [the study results] with a Veterans Administration data set,” Dr. Conic said. If it pans out, “one use would be to send [patients with elevated values] to a cardiologist earlier” so other CVD risk factors can be monitored and treated. The findings also add to the case for good control, she noted.
Systemic inflammation is the common denominator between the blood value elevations and CVD. The same inflammatory cytokines that cause skin problems in psoriasis also stimulate bone marrow to release immature red blood cells, which are larger than mature cells, leading to an increased RDW. Similarly, elevated MPV indicates a higher number of larger, younger platelets in the blood.
“It’s probably something along those lines, but I think we need to go back to basic science and really figure it out,” Dr. Conic said.
Patients were 18-65 years old. The study excluded patients with diabetes, Crohn’s disease, RA, and generalized atherosclerosis.
The National Institutes of Health funded the work. Dr. Conic reported no relevant financial disclosures.
*This article was updated on May 30, 2018.
SOURCE: Conic R et al. IID 2018, Abstract 550.