Predictive Value of Platelet Indices in Development of Preeclampsia

Aim To evaluate the association between changes in platelet indices (platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width) and development of preeclampsia. Materials and methods Two hundred pregnant women at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancy and normal blood pressure were enrolled after taking well-informed consent. At monthly intervals CBC (complete blood count) was done from 20 to 24 weeks till 40 weeks and 7 days after delivery. Data regarding changes in platelet indices with increasing gestation was collected and analyzed. Results Platelet count decreased significantly in patients with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant patients (19.4% vs 7.4%). Mean platelet volume increased significantly in preeclampsia patients (44.5% vs 9.22%). Increase in PDW was observed significantly in patients with preeclampsia (47.19% vs 29.4%). Conclusion Patients with preeclampsia are more likely to have significant decrease in platelet count, increase in PDW and MPV. These changes can be observed at an earlier gestational age than significant rise in BP can be observed and are directly proportional to progressive rise in hypertension. Thus, estimation of platelet indices can be considered as an early, simple and cost-effective procedure in the assessment of severity of preeclampsia. How to cite this article Dadhich S, Agrawal S, Soni M, Choudhary R, Jain R, Sharma S, Saini SL. Predictive Value of Platelet Indices in Development of Preeclampsia. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):17-21.