Prediction of deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women by platelet indices: A retrospective case-control study

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the platelet indices for the diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: Pregnant women aged 20-45 years who presented to the emergency room with leg pain and edema and underwent bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler examination for DVT were included in the study. Platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), platelet distribution width (PDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) values, which provide information on current platelet activity in the hemogram parameters recorded at first presentation in the emergency department, were analyzed between the two groups. Pregnant women with a history of venous thromboembolism, anticoagulant medication, heart disease, cancer, essential thrombocytopenia, gestational thrombocytopenia, pulmonary embolism, and multiple pregnancies were excluded. Results: A total of 125 participants were included in the study. Acute DVT was diagnosed in 37 participants using venous Doppler of the lower extremities. In the remaining 88 patients, the diagnosis of DVT was excluded. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, parity, and gestational age at diagnosis. Although platelet counts were similar between groups, P-LCR, PDW, and MPV values, which provide information on platelet shape and volume, were statistically significantly lower in Group DVT (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to this study, low MPV, PDW and P-LCR values in pregnant women can be evaluated as independent markers in the diagnosis of acute DVT or these markers can be included in the DVT scoring system for pregnant women.