Assessment of atherosclerosis in obese adolescents: Positive correlation of mean platelet volume and carotid intima media thickness

Aims This study aims to assess the correlation of mean platelet volume (MPV) and common carotid artery (CCA) thickness in a population of obese adolescents. Methods Sixty‐eight patients and 23 controls were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelet count, MPV and insulin resistance by homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance were investigated. Furthermore, CCA thickness was measured by high‐resolution ultrasound. Results MPV and the left CCA thickness were significantly higher in obese adolescents than the healthy controls. The association between MPV and left CCA was checked by linear regression analysis. MPV explained 19% of the variation in left CCA (P < 0.001). At multiple regression analysis, MPV maintained a positive association with the left CCA thickness (P = 0.002) independently of fatty liver grade, relative weight, total cholesterol and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance. Conclusion MPV is significantly correlated with CCA thickness in obese adolescents.