Comparison of platelet count, platelet indices and coagulation profile in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy

Aim: To compare platelet count, platelet volume indices (MPV and PDW) and coagulation profile in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. Method: This comparative cross sectional study was performed at King Edward Medical University, Lahore and its affiliated hospitals. Study was conducted for six months after approval of synopsis. The patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled after informed consent. Venous blood sample was properly taken in dipotassium EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) vacutainer for platelet count and platelet volume indices. In sodium citrate vial the sample was taken from both groups (i.e.; normal pregnant woman and preeclamptic patients) for PT, APTT, FDPs, D-Dimers and fibrinogen level and tested within six hours of collection to minimize variations due to sample aging. Improperly collected samples (hemolysed and clotted samples) were discarded. Samples were stored at room temperature. Results: The mean age of patients with preeclampsia was 26.19 +/- 5.02 years and with normal pregnancy was 25.17 +/- 5.68 years. The mean platelets count in preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant female was 219.43 +/- 100.58 and 254.43 +/- 70.35 respectively. The mean platelet volume in preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant female was 9.78 +/- 0.96 and 9.34 +/- 1.30 respectively. The mean platelet distribution width (PDW) in preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant female was 12.43 +/- 3.45 and 11.98 +/- 3.45 respectively. The mean prothrombin time (PT) in preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy was 14.52 +/- 3.16 and 13.60 +/- 1.75 respectively. The mean Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy was 38.67 +/- 18.52 and 35.31 +/- 11.88 respectively. The mean Fibrinogen level in preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant female was 247.79 +/- 392.10 and 261.93 +/- 57.89 respectively. Among women with preeclampsia, the FDP of 35 (83.3%) women was <10 and of 7 (16.7%) was >10 whereas, among women with normal pregnancy group, all females (100%) had FDP <10. Conclusions: Current study shows that the hematological parameters such as platelet count, Mean platelet volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), fibrinogen, FDPs and D-Dimers were differing in women with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancy but were not statistically significant.