Platelet indices in preeclampsia: comparative analysis with normotensive pregnant women

Background: To compare platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) between women with preeclampsia (PE) and normotensive pregnant women, and evaluate their effectiveness as predictors of PE. Research design and methods: This cross-sectional study at Nishtar Hospital, Multan, included 141 women: 74 normotensive and 67 preeclamptic. Data was collected using an automated hematology analyzer and analyzed with SPSS version 26 and ROC curves. Results: Mean age was 27.45 +/- 5.18 years for cases and 28.41 +/- 5.28 years for controls (p = 0.280). Gestational age was lower in the preeclamptic group (31.97 +/- 4.07 weeks) compared to controls (33.92 +/- 3.30 weeks) (p = 0.002). Blood pressures were higher in preeclamptic women (p < 0.001). Platelet count was lower in preeclamptic women (183.42 +/- 95.69) vs. controls (256.42 +/- 77.98) (p < 0.001). MPV (10.98 +/- 1.55 vs. 9.79 +/- 1.59, p < 0.001) and PDW (16.82 +/- 5.70vs. 14.20 +/- 2.40, p < 0.001) were higher in preeclamptic women. ROC analysis showed PDW had an AUC of 0.73 and MPV an AUC of 0.71. Conclusions: PDW and MPV are significantly altered in preeclamptic women and can aid in early detection, potentially enhancing management. [GRAPHICS] .