Role of Platelet count as important prognostic marker in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) includes gestational hypertension, pre eclampsia and eclampsia. It occurs in approximately 11-29% pregnancies in indian population. Amongst all the parameters platelet count is the most simple and cost effective method for prediction of PIH, way before the appearance of derangements in PT, APTT and TT values . The study soughts the importance of platelet count as the most consistent and reliable method in early detection of PIH cases. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted in 200 cases and 80 controls over a period of 2 years. The bleeding time, clotting time, hemoglobin estimation and paltelet count were performed. Observations: The platelet count in severe preeclampsia and eclampsia was significantly lower than in mild pre eclampsia and controls. Thrombocytopenia was seen in total of 33 cases of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia combined out of which 30 (90.90%) had unfavourable fetal outcome and 27 (81.81%) had poor maternal outcome. Conclusion: Simple and routine tests like CBC and platelet count are highly helpful in suspecting a deranged coagulation status early in the course of the disease and plan preemptive management strategies that has been proven to have a crucial role in reducing the morbidity and mortality of both mother and fetus.