Linking platelet indices and uterine artery Doppler parameters for preeclampsia prediction and its severity

Abstract

Preeclampsia is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy and the second largest cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Preeclampsia is a multi-systemic hypertension condition with an unknown cause. A Prospective Observational Study was conducted on antenatal women with gestation age of 11 to 13+6 weeks. Participants underwent routine investigations including Platelet Indices and Uterine Artery Ultrasonography Doppler. Selected patients were specifically evaluated at 22-24 weeks, 31-34 weeks and >36 weeks until delivery along with routine antenatal care visits. Among the platelet indices, the platelet Count, Mean Platelet volume (MPV), Platelet/Lymphocyte ratio were found significant and among Uterine Artery Doppler Parameters- Pulsatility Index was found significant in prediction of preeclampsia. The Combination of platelet indices and uterine artery doppler parameters showed better sensitivity in prediction of early onset and severe form of preeclampsia can be incorporated into routine prenatal care using the existing infrastructure can be used in the prediction and early diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Keywords: Platelet count; mean platelet volume; platelet distribution width; platelet/lymphocyte ratio; plateletcrit; preeclampsia; resistivity index; systolic/diastolic ratio; uterine artery pulsatility index.