Evaluation of platelet parameters in patients with pregnancy-associated hypertension and its significance

Abstract Background: Hypertensive disorders are common in pregnancy and significantly contribute to maternal and fetal complications. Various hematological changes, including thrombocytopenia and platelet activation, are frequently observed in these conditions. However, effective screening methods for early detection remain a challenge. Aim: This study aimed to assess platelet parameters—platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT)—in pregnant women with pregnancy-associated hypertension (PAH), including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. These parameters were compared with normotensive pregnant controls. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 pregnant women diagnosed with PAH (BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg) beyond 20 weeks of gestation and 30 gestational age-matched normotensive pregnant controls. Complete blood count, including platelet parameters, was analyzed using a six-part hematology analyzer (Sysmex XN-1000). Results: The demographic characteristics, including maternal age, gestational age, and gravidity, were comparable between PAH patients (30.13 ± 3.99, 28.37 ± 2.41, 1.8 ± 1.65) and controls (29.43 ± 3.24, 27.83 ± 2.25, 2.0 ± 0.831), with no statistically significant differences ( P > 0.05). The platelet count (×10³/μL) was significantly lower in PAH patients (101.13 ± 37.28) compared to controls (244.7 ± 48.97) ( P < 0.001). Among platelet indices, MPV, PDW, and PCT showed significant differences between the groups ( P < 0.05), whereas P-LCR did not exhibit a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.251). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant association between platelet indices and PAH. Serial monitoring of these parameters may serve as a valuable screening tool in antenatal care, facilitating early diagnosis, effective management, and preventing adverse maternal and fetal outcomes related to PAH.