Accuracy of Platelet Indices in Predicting the Development and Severity of Pregnancy- Induced Hypertensive Disorders

Abstract

Several hypertensive states of pregnancy exist, these collectively are referred to as Pregnancy Induced hypertension (PIH).These include Gestational hypertension, mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. Left undiagnosed, the milder forms of the spectrum can easily progress up to the development of eclampsia. About 5-10 % of pregnancies are complicated by hypertensive disorders with pre-eclampsia affecting 3 % of all pregnancies. Such patients are at increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality, and serious fetal morbidity, especially if PE is severe. Considering the role of the PDW and platelet indices during the disease as well as the alteration of coagulation, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using platelet indices as a marker for the development and severity of PIH. In the current study 1260 women were recruited and followed up through-out their pregnancy and were subdivided into 4 groups according to the outcome ( healthy pregnancies , gestational hypertension , mild preeclampsia