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Study of prognostic significance of platelet count as a predictor of severity of preeclampsia

Background Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome, recognised from antiquity as a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality, and it accounts for almost 15% of pregnancy associated death. Hence, the current study was planned to assess the role of platelet count as a predictor of the severity of preeclampsia and its prognosis.

Methods In this retrospective analytical study, a total of 100 pregnant women with preeclampsia were included and divided into two groups of non-severe and severe. Demographic data, socio-economic status, period of gestation and platelet count were recorded and compared.

Results The average age of patients was 27.07±5.14 years, with no significant difference between patients based on preeclampsia severity. Most of the patients were multigravida females (69%). The distribution based on the socio-economic status was similar, with no significant difference (p>0.05). The average period of gestation was 36.01±3.41 weeks in the study. The average platelet count of patients with severe preeclampsia at the time of admission was seen to be lower compared to the non-severe patients. A ROC curve analysis was done to assess the ability of platelet count to differentiate severe PWE from non-severe PE. The area under the curve was high at 0.879. The LSCS rate was 54% in the study, followed by Pre-term birth seen in 48% of patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of maternal outcome parameter-based distribution. The proportion of patients with APGAR score <7 at 5 minutes was significantly higher in the non-severe PE group. It was seen that preeclamptic patients were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of pre-term birth and Ante partum haemorrhage (APH).

Conclusions Platelet count is an accurate predictor of severe preeclampsia in pregnant females. The patients with low platelet counts were associated with significantly higher adverse pregnancy outcomes, as suggested by a significantly higher prevalence of pre-term birth, APH and rate of LSCS.