Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025

A Uniform Shear Assay for Human Platelet and Cell Surface Receptors via Cone-plate Viscometry
Published on: June 5, 2019
The relationship between platelet indices and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Myah M Griffin1, Christina A Penfield1, Anaïs Hausvater2
1NYU Langone Health, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, United States.
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between platelet indices (count, size and production/immaturity) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Study Design:
This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of pregnant individuals followed from first trimester through delivery at an academic tertiary care institution. Routine platelet indices obtained prospectively during prenatal care and delivery were compared between those who developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and those who did not. We assessed platelet count (by trimester), mean platelet volume, and immature platelet fraction measured as percent (%) and absolute count. Data were analyzed using Fisher's Exact test, chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Among 459 participants enrolled, 78 (17.0 %) developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Pregnant individuals who developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy had significantly higher mean platelet volume (11.7 fL [10.8,12.4] vs. 11.1 fL [10.5,12.0], Padj < 0.01), percent immature platelet fraction (7.3 % [4.9,10.7] vs. 5.9 % [4.2,9.2], Padj = 0.01) and absolute immature platelet fraction (16.4 × 109 [11.2,20.4] vs. 13.3 × 109 [9.3,17.4], Padj = 0.01) compared to those without a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, obesity, nulliparity, and chronic hypertension. The prevalence and likelihood of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy increased with increasing mean platelet volume, as well as with both the percent and absolute immature platelet fraction. There was no difference between groups in platelet count in the first trimester, second trimester, or at delivery.
Conclusions:
An increase in platelet size and immaturity was observed in those with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. These data support further investigation of platelets in the mechanisms of the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the use of platelet indices to better identify high risk groups in pregnancy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Hormonal Regulation
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

