Study of platelet indices in pregnancy-induced hypertension

Hypertension encountered during pregnancy could be the first sign of a preexisting pathology that can significantly attribute to unfavorable maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Resolving hypertensive disorders at an early age may not alter the course and proficiency of the disease, but timely detection and treatment can not only prevent hypertensive crisis but also alter unfavorable fetal outcomes. Ipso facto, an early cataloging plays an essential role in predicting the outcome of pregnancy, both for mother and baby. Platelet indices correlate with functional status of platelets and are an emerging risk marker for detecting an impending adverse outcome in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). The aim of this study was to analyze the consociation between platelet indices and severity of PIH.

A prospective hospital-based study was undertaken on 100 cases diagnosed with PIH (preeclampsia [PE; 88 cases] and eclampsia [12 cases and 100 controls]).

Most cases occurred in the age group of 22-26 years (43.3%) and in primigravidae (55.8%). Analysis of platelet volume indices (PVI) indicated mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) as significant risk factors for developing hypertensive crisis. This was in concordance with the elevated blood pressures.

The study concludes that platelet indices are raised in patients who have PIH as compared with normal pregnancies.