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 27.7±4.4 years, and their mean gestational age was 34.3±2.0 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” (14.21±0.25 vs. 13.12±0.26 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.