Platelet count in normal pregnancy, preeclampsia, and eclampsia - A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the most common medical problems affecting pregnancy. Off late, the incidence of the disease has increased and laboratory investigations become part of management. Core pathophysiology in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is endothelial damage, which triggers platelet consumption. Aim and Objectives: This was to study platelet count in normal pregnancy, preeclampsia, and eclampsia groups. Materials and Methods: The study was done in S N Medical College, Bagalkot, Karnataka. Retrospective analysis of data was done. Platelet count in lakhs/mm3 in normal pregnancy (n = 30), preeclampsia (n = 30), and eclampsia (n = 20) groups was noted. Normal pregnancy group was matched with respect to age and parity with the other two groups. Data were tabulated and analysis was done by the analysis of variance and post-hoc tests. P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Mean platelet count in normal pregnancy, preeclampsia, and eclampsia was 259066.7 ± 29752.93, 210533 ± 12721.78, and 157200 ± 36464.26, respectively. Platelet count was found to be significantly less in preeclampsia and eclampsia groups when compared to normal pregnancy (F = 86.96 and P = 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in platelet count in the preeclampsia group when compared to normal pregnancy and in the eclampsia group when compared to the preeclampsia group. Conclusion: Platelet count being easily performable test and economical to the patient can be used as an indicator of preeclampsia and eclampsia. Reduction in platelet count is proportionate to the severity of disease.