Relation of platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet crit (PCT) to preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE While the relationship between platelet crit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW) and hypertension has been well-documented, data on the association between PCT, PDW and preeclampsia are scant at best. In our study we aimed to investigate the possible correlation of PCT and PDW with preeclampsia and disease severity MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 110 preeclamptic and 100 healthy pregnant women were included in the study Baseline PCT and PDW were measured using an automatic blood counterin the entire study population. RESULTS While there were no significant differences between the preeclampsia group and the control group in terms of hemoglobin and platelet counts, the PDW, mean platelet volume (MPV), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, WBC and Hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group. In addition, PCT level was significantly lower in the preeclampsia group as compared to controls. Moreover subgroup analysis revealed that PDW and MPV levels were significantly increased in severely preeclamptic patients when compared to mildly preeclamptic patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study results revealed that PCT and PDW levels were associated with both, the presence and severity of preeclampsia.