Publication:

Platelet count as a prognostic indicator in pregnancy induced hypertension

Background Hypertensive disorders are most common medical complications of pregnancy, and are one of the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Thrombocytopenia complicating hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are responsible for approximately 20% of all cases of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy.Our study was done to assess the utility of platelet count as a prognostic indicator in pregnancy induced hypertension to recognize and manage early the complications arising and to have a better pregnancy outcome.

Methods This study includes 76 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension over a period of 18 months. Platelet estimation was done for all cases and patients with documented platelet count of less than 1,50,000/cumm was documented as thrombocytopenia.

Results Of the 76 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension, 32 (42.1%) were diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, and an increased incidence of maternal and fetal morbidity & mortality was observed.

Conclusions Our study and the results show that the assay of platelets can be considered as one of the prognostic tool in management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.