Platelet count as a first line screening test for the detection of coagulation disorder in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients

Nur-E-Jannatul Ferdous; Sarna Tarafder; Yesmin Akter; Jhumur Rani Das; Ummey Salma; Shirin Sultana

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20262086

Authors

Nur-E-Jannatul Ferdous Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sarna Tarafder Department of Neurosurgery, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Yesmin Akter Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Jhumur Rani Das National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, NITOR, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Ummey Salma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Shirin Sultana Sir Salimullah Medical Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20262086

Keywords:

Coagulation disorder, Eclampsia, Platelet count, Pre-eclampsia, Screening test

Abstract

Background: Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are major obstetric complications and important causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Platelet count is a simple, inexpensive, and widely available investigation that may help detect coagulation disorders in these conditions. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of platelet count for predicting coagulation disorders in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from June 2022 to May 2023. A total of 81 pregnant women were enrolled and divided equally into three groups: pre-eclampsia (n=27), eclampsia (n=27), and normotensive pregnancy (n=27). Platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), serum fibrinogen, and D-dimer were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: Mean platelet count was significantly lower in eclampsia (186,296.3±91,728.6/μl) and pre-eclampsia (217,777.8±77,745.3/μl) compared to normal pregnancy (252,296.3±44,155.2/μl) (p<0.001). Thrombocytopenia was observed in 38.89% of pregnancy-induced hypertension cases. For detecting coagulation disorders, platelet count showed sensitivity of 45.45% and specificity of 90.00% in eclampsia, while sensitivity and specificity in pre-eclampsia were 46.51% and 81.82%, respectively.

Conclusions: Platelet count alone is not a reliable screening test for coagulation disorders in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

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