Coagulation profiles and platelet parameters among preeclampsia, eclampsia, and normotensive pregnant women attending Comprehensive Specialized Hospital maternity wards, Northwest Ethiopia

by Nigusie Alemu, Bisrat Birke Teketelew, Sintayehu Admas, Lyusira Marelgn, Yalweayker Eyayu, Berhanu Woldu

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect about 10% of all pregnant women worldwide. A variety of hematological abnormalities may occur in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Thus, we aimed to compare coagulation profiles and platelet parameters among preeclampsia, eclampsia, and normotensive pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar and Felegehiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, maternity wards from June 20 to November 15, 2024. A total of 180 participants were recruited using the convenience sampling technique. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire and participants’ medical records. Eight milliliters of blood specimens were collected from each study participant. Coagulation profiles and platelet parameters were measured using a Genrui coagulation analyzer and an automated Mindray BC-5150 hematological analyzer, respectively. Data were entered into epi-data version 4.6.0.6 and exported to the SPSS version 26 software for analysis. Descriptive data were presented using tables and frequencies. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for normally distributed and skewed data, respectively. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 180 pregnant women were enrolled/included in this study. The median PT and aPTT showed prolongation in preeclampsia and eclampsia patients, as compared to normotensive pregnant women, indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001) and (P = 0.002) respectively. The mean ± SD of mean platelet volume and PDW showed higher values in preeclampsia and eclampsia patients, as compared to normotensive pregnant women, demonstrating both a significant difference (P < 0.001). On the other hand, the mean platelet count in preeclampsia and eclampsia patients, were lower than in normotensive pregnant women, with a significant difference (p < 0.001).

Conclusion and recommendations

In this study, alteration of coagulation and platelet parameters were observed in preeclampsia and eclampsia pregnant womens compared to normotensive controls. Thus, a routine laboratory test of coagulation and platelet parameters for pregnant women with preeclampsia and eclampsia could be applicable to reduce the risk of coaglation and platelet abnormalities.