Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a condition of unknown etiology of multiorgan disease and is distinguished by a raised blood pressure (B.P. >140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria (>300 mg per 24 h) and/or edema following 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to differentiate coagulation variables between normotensives and preeclamptic patients.

Materials and Methods: Prior consent was obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients diagnosed with preeclampsia aged between 20 and 35 years were incorporated into the study. Patients with a previous history of hypertension, thyroid disease, and diabetes were excluded from the study. Age-matched controls were taken and analyzed. Data collection done by (i) BP measured in supine posture; (ii) bleeding time (B.T) estimation – by Duke’s method; (iii) clotting time (C.T) estimation – by Wright’s capillary tube method; (iv) platelet count (P.C) estimation – by automated hematology analyzer; and (v) prothrombin time (P.T) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) – estimation by semi-automated analyzer.

Results: The study revealed a significant interrelation between P.C and B.T when preeclampsia patients were correlated with normotensives patients while P.T, APTT, and C.T were insignificant statistically.

Conclusion: A statistically significant change was observed proposing parameters derangement as the disease becomes more progressive.

Key words: Preeclampsia; Platelet Count; Bleeding Time; Clotting Time; Prothrombin Time; Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time