The mean platelet volume in gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) values of pregnancies diagnosed with gestational diabetes with those of healthy pregnancies.

MATERIAL-METHOD: Between June 2003 and September 2004, 100 healthy pregnancies and 100 pregnancies with gestational diabetes were studied at Gazi University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

RESULTS

While no statistically significant difference was observed in the platelet count between the two groups, the MPV of the gestational diabetes group (9.4 +/- 1.6 fl) was evaluated to be significantly higher than the MPV of the healthy pregnancy group (8.3 +/- 1.1 fl). Additionally, when linear regression analysis was performed an inverse relationship was observed between platelet number and MPV.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for further research focusing on the platelet function in the observation and treatment of gestational diabetes, which can pose the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes for the mother and has negative consequences for the fetus.