Prospective study of platelet count as a prognostic marker in predicting feto-maternal outcome in gestational hypertension

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) affects approximately 5-7% of all pregnancies. The reported incidence of PIH in India ranges from 5% to 15%1  These disorders form a deadly triad –in conjunction with hemorrhage and infection, in significantly
contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality2 . Aim: Prospective Study of Platelet Count as A Prognostic Marker in Predicting Feto-Maternal Outcome in Gestational Hypertension. Material and Methods Study Design: Hospital based observational study. Study area: Study was conducted in Department of General Medicine & Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, both outpatient and ward admissions, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, W.G (Dist.), Andhra Pradesh. Study Period: Feb. 2017 – July 2017.
Study population: Pregnant women between 18-24 weeks, visiting for antenatal screening, to the department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Department of General Medicine both outpatient and ward admissions. Sample size: study consisted a total of 100 study subjects. Sampling method: Simple random sampling method. Study tools and Data collection procedure: The study group will comprise of pregnant women who are more than 20 weeks, diagnosed with gestational hypertension, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria and detailed clinical history, clinical history, clinical examination, ultrasound Doppler, blood and urine analysis done. Written and informed consent will be taken from all pregnant women participating in the study. The pregnant women in the study group will be subjected to a detailed history and general examination. Results: In the study mean Platelet count among subjects without Preeclampsia was 286446.15±51414.68, among subjects with mild Preeclampsia was 274440.00±54619.20 and among
subjects with severe Preeclampsia was 230700.00±58501.76. There was significant difference in Platelet count with respect to severity of Preeclampsia. With increase in severity there was decrease in platelet count. Conclusion: From the study it was concluded that in Gestational Hypertension the estimation of platelet count is thus a reliable method for early detection and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Platelet count was significantly decreased in subjects with Maternal Complications.