High PDW Blood Test: Understanding What it Means for Your Health

Introduction

PDW stands for Platelet Distribution Width, a measure of platelet size variation in your blood¹. This article aims to clarify the role of PDW blood tests in health care. In this post, we’ll talk about what causes its fluctuation and why it matters in diagnosis. We’ll also cover risks, and how to control high PDW and normal PDW ranges.  

Platelet Distribution Width Overview

What is PDW?

PDW shows how much platelet size varies in your blood. It comes under the complete blood count test, which studies² the count, size, and spread of platelets. 

How are platelets made?

They grow from big cells called megakaryocytes in a process named thrombopoiesis³. Once they are grown, platelets flow in the blood. Their job is to form clots and repair wounds. 

Why does platelet size differ?

Platelet size is not constant. The rate of making them changes, they age, and become active. When active, they grow bigger. So, PDW indirectly tells us about platelet activation. 

What impacts PDW?

Many things can affect PDW. Factors like age,  gender, disease, and genes cause changes in platelet size and spread. Which results in either high or low PDW levels. 

Why are Platelet Count and Size Vital?

• They keep the blood flow system in check. 
• They help with clotting and repairing wounds. 
• They tell about health issues such as inflammation or bleeding disorders. 
• They show the risk from surgery or health treatments. 

Understanding High PDW

Causes of High PDW

Here are a few factors that can increase PDW that are as follows.  

• Inflammatory conditions 
  • Infections be it bacterial, viral, or fungus. 
  • The immune system hyperactivity like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. 
  • Digestive tract issues like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. 
• Cancer
  • Tumors and blood cancer can increase PDW due to platelet activation. 
• Blood cell problems
  • Issues affecting blood cell production like aplastic anemia or bone marrow failure. 
• Lack of iron
  • Low iron in the body can cause more platelet size variety and that results in high PDW. 

Dangers and Problems Linked to High PDW

High PDW warns about the risk of the following problems.  

• Heavy bleeding: Big, active platelets may not clot blood well. This causes a risk of uncontrolled bleeding. 
• Blood clots: At times, high platelet activation can lead to abnormal blood clots. This increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, lung artery blockage, or stroke. 
• Problems from surgery or health treatments: High PDW points to a greater risk of clotting problems or bleeding during surgery or after health treatment.

Studies⁴ have shown that elevated PDW values, particularly those over 16.15, may notify the obstetrician of the possibility of an early birth. You are advised to get in touch with your doctor and discuss regarding all the complications before hand to handle the pregnancy with care.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D

Clinical Applications of the PDW Blood Test

1. Tracking Long term Diseases

PDW can check how long-term diseases progress and how the body reacts to treatment for them.  The longer-term diseases are listed below.  

• Heart issues: Heart disease, heart attack, stroke, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and lung artery blockage (PE) 
• Digestive tract issues: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis 
• Immune system attacks: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions where the body fights itself 

2. Checking Cancer Forecast

Tracks how the body reacts to cancer treatment and predicts the risk of cancer coming back or spreading. 

3. Finding Blood-related Issues Early on

Spots early signs of bleeding disorders, like von Willebrand disease or hemophilia. 

I recently came across a study⁵ that was conducted on mean platelet volume (MPV) and PDW in individuals with thyroid disorders. According to the study, patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis had higher levels of MPV and PDW. These alterations may be linked to inflammation and cancer.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

PDW Blood Test Procedure

How to get Ready for the Test?

• Discuss with your doctor about medications or supplements you use that may affect the test results. 
• Drink plenty of liquids as dryness can cause changes in PDW levels. 
• This test doesn’t need any special diet or fasting. 

What Happens During the Blood Draw?

• A healthcare worker will take a small blood sample with a needle and syringe or vacutainer system. 
• They normally draw blood from a vein in the arm or hand. 
• The blood draw isn’t painful. It just gives a quick pinch or sting. 

When to Expect Results?

• Results normally come in a few hours to a day after the blood is drawn. 
• Your doctor will go over the results with you and discuss any follow-up or management needed. 

Normal PDW Range and Interpretation

1. Factors that affect PDW Levels

Various factors impact PDW levels which are as follows. 

• Age and gender: Older people and females may have slightly higher PDW levels 
• Diseases: Inflammation, cancer, and blood disorders can increase PDW 
• Gene factors: Gene changes can affect platelet size and spread, which alters PDW levels. 

2. Normal PDW Range 

The normal PDW spread differs between laboratories but generally is from 15.1% to 17.9%. 

3. What do PDW Results Mean?

• High PDW levels might tell about inflammation, possible health issues or high risk of problems. 
• Low PDW levels are typically normal and might not need more tests. 
• Always ask your doctor to make sense of the results, based on your unique health conditions and concerns. 

Also Read: Low Red Cell Distribution Width in Blood (RDW): Interpreting Your Blood Test Results

Managing High PDW

To control high PDW, it’s vital to locate and manage the base causes. 

1. Medical Therapy

• Doctors may give drugs to manage inflammation or autoimmune diseases, like corticosteroids. 
• Cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies can address cancer-related PDW increases. 

2. Lifestyle Changes 

• A better diet, drinking enough liquid, and working out may help keep a healthy PDW level. 
• Eat adequate iron to avoid or cope with a lack of iron in the body. 

3. Regular Checkups Blood tests and Check-ins with your Doctor 

• Regular blood tests can pick up changes in PDW and other platelet factors. 
• Regular consultations with your doctor to guide your management plan.  

Also Read: PDW Blood Test: Understanding Its Purpose and Results

Conclusion

The importance of understanding high PDW blood tests cannot be overstated. Knowledge of how these tests impact health can empower patients and healthcare professionals alike to take charge of their well-being. By using PDW blood tests to predict and monitor various health issues, doctors can provide better patient care while patients may better advocate for themselves. 

In conclusion, it is key to not overlook high PDW. It acts as a sign of possible health concerns. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help to diagnose quickly and plan effective management. This may help you stay on the route to the best health. 

Also Read: CRP Test vs ESR Test: Understanding the Differences and Significance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Tzur I, Barchel D, Izhakian S, Swarka M, Garach-Jehoshua O, Krutkina E, Plotnikov G, Gorelik O. Platelet distribution width: a novel prognostic marker in an internal medicine ward. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2019 Dec 14;9(6):464-470. doi: 10.1080/20009666.2019.1688095. PMID: 32002150; PMCID: PMC6968671. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6968671/
2. Vagdatli E, Gounari E, Lazaridou E, Katsibourlia E, Tsikopoulou F, Labrianou I. Platelet distribution width: a simple, practical and specific marker of activation of coagulation. Hippokratia. 2010 Jan;14(1):28-32. PMID: 20411056; PMCID: PMC2843567. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2843567/
3. Kaushansky K. Historical review: megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Blood. 2008 Feb 1;111(3):981-6. doi: 10.1182/blood-2007-05-088500. PMID: 18223171; PMCID: PMC2214745. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2214745/
4. Artunc Ulkumen B, Pala HG, Calik E, Oruc Koltan S. Platelet distribution width (PDW): A putative marker for threatened preterm labour. Pak J Med Sci. 2014 Jul;30(4):745-8. doi: 10.12669/pjms.304.4991. PMID: 25097509; PMCID: PMC4121690. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4121690/
5. Demir AD. Relationship of the platelet distribution width/platelet count ratio with thyroid antibody levels in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. J Int Med Res. 2021 Sep;49(9):3000605211043241. doi: 10.1177/03000605211043241. PMID: 34586923; PMCID: PMC8485304. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8485304/

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