A Hematological Approach to Pre-eclampsia: The Role of Platelet Indices

Abstract

Background

Pre-eclampsia is a disorder affecting multi organ systems, characterized by elevated blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. It continue to be a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Platelet indices, including platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT), may serve as potential biomarkers for disease severity.

Objective

To evaluate differences in platelet indices between pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women and assess their correlation with disease severity.

Methods

A prospective case-control study was conducted in the Hematology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Vinayaka Missions Medical College and Hospital, Karaikal, over six months (October 2023–March 2024). A total of 70 pregnant women (>20 weeks gestation) were included: 35 pre-eclamptic cases (BP >140/90 mmHg, proteinuria >300 mg/day) and 35 age-matched normotensive controls. Blood samples were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer (Mindray 6000BC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, with the Mann-Whitney U test for group comparisons and Spearman’s correlation to assess relationships between MPV, PDW, and blood pressure (p<0.05 considered significant).

Results

• Platelet count and PCT were significantly lower in pre-eclamptic patients compared to controls (p=0.03).


• MPV and PDW were significantly elevated in pre-eclamptic women, with a strong positive correlation between increased blood pressure and MPV, PDW values (r=0.68, p<0.001).


• Patients with severe pre-eclampsia exhibited significantly higher MPV and PDW values than those with mild disease.