Platelet Distribution Width as a Severity Marker of Pre-clampsia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the platelet distribution width among women with mild and severe pre-eclampsia.

Methodology:: This Cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, CMA teaching and research hospital, Lahore. 113 women who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled after consent. Based on the dating scan, all patients at ?28 weeks of gestation who were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, and singleton pregnancy were included.  Each patient was evaluated and further categorized   as mild or severe pre-eclampsia. Approximately 5 mL of venous blood was collected via venipuncture and sent to the laboratory for assessment of platelet distribution width. Data was collected on a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS 23.

Results: The study participants' mean age was 27.74.4 years, and their mean gestational age was 34.32.0 weeks. Pre-eclampsia was diagnosed in 14 (9.3%) women; 69 (61.06%) women had mild pre-eclampsia, and 44 (38.94%%) had severe pre-eclampsia. The mean platelet distribution width was significantly higher in women with severe pre-eclampsia compared to those with mild pre-eclampsia (14.210.25 vs. 13.120.26 fl; p-value<0.0001). Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was observed in platelet distribution width between mild and severe pre-eclamptic women across various strata based on women's age, gestational age, parity, BMI, and platelet count.

Conclusion: Mean platelet distribution width was greater in women with severe pre-eclampsia compared to those with mild pre-eclampsia, indicating a direct association with disease severity.