Study of Mean Platelet Volume In Gestational Hypertension And Normal Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational hypertension (GH) previously known as pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is seen in 10 to 12 % of Indian women. Platelets play a major role in the disease process of Gestational Hypertension. Mean platelet volume is one of the markers of platelet activation and can be easily measured routinely as a part of complete blood count. Studies relating mean platelet volume (MPV) and Gestational Hypertension are few and reports are contradictory. This study was done to know variations in MPV from first trimester to third trimester during pregnancy in healthy pregnant women and in Gestational Hypertension. Methods: In our study, 50 cases of gestational hypertension and 50 women with normal pregnancy were included. MPV was measured during first trimester and third trimester in both women with gestational hypertension and normal pregnancy. All pregnant women were followed up to know the maternal and neonatal outcome. Results: MPV was significantly increased from first trimester to third trimester in women with gestational hypertension than in normal pregnant women. Conclusion: MPV is one of the markers of platelet activation that can be increased even before the onset of clinical symptoms. MPV is done routinely in all pregnant women. Even though MPV was within normal limits, there is an increase in MPV from first trimester to third trimester in gestational hypertension. So any increase in MPV may be considered as a caution and patients can be monitored more carefully to avoid adverse outcome. Further studies are needed to explore the usefulness of MPV as a marker of gestational hypertension.