Neonatal thrombocytopenia associated with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia: a case-control study

Abstract

Background: Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia syndrome is a multi-system disorder associated with adaptive changes in the fetal circulation and causes a marked imbalance in the haemostatic system of the mother and the neonate. These babies may have platelet changes and can lead to serious neonatal complication like sepsis and bleeding manifestations including intracranial hemorrhage. Therefore early platelet screening of these infants is recommended.Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Sri Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences from January 2011 to January 2013. The case group comprised of 150 neonates born to mothers diagnosed either with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia while controls comprised of 150 apparently healthy newborns born to normotensive mothers without maternal complications, born during the same period. Cord blood was collected from these babies and platelet count was studied.Results: Mothers with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia syndrome had a higher number of premature and small for gestational age babies. Platelet counts were significantly decreased in these mothers and babies compared to controls. The platelet count in the baby was affected by the severity of hypertension in the mother. At higher levels of maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure the number of babies in the case group presenting with thrombocytopenia increased.Conclusions: As these babies are more prone for development of thrombocytopenia during the early neonatal period, these babies should be closely monitored and managed in order to decrease the perinatal morbidity and mortality.