Platelet distribution width (PDW): A putative marker for threatened preterm labour

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology
• Perinatology

Background:

• Threatened preterm labor (TPL) is a significant obstetric concern.
• Platelet indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), may reflect inflammatory states.
• Understanding alterations in platelet and hemoglobin levels in TPL is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in MPV, PDW, platelet count, and hemoglobin levels in pregnancies complicated by TPL.
• To assess the potential diagnostic value of platelet indices in TPL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 201 pregnant women with TPL and 192 healthy controls.
• Evaluation of maternal age, hemoglobin, platelet count, MPV, and PDW data.
• Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for PDW.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower mean MPV and hemoglobin levels were observed in the TPL group compared to controls.
• Platelet distribution width (PDW) levels were significantly higher in women with TPL (p=0.05).
• No significant difference in platelet count was found between the groups. ROC analysis for PDW showed an AUC of 66.8%.

Conclusions:

• Lower MPV and higher PDW levels suggest inflammation and platelet activation in TPL.
• Anemia is more prevalent in threatened preterm deliveries.
• Elevated PDW (>16.15) may serve as an alert for preterm delivery risk, warranting further investigation.