Platelet dimensions in pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Platelet number, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were measured in 55 women admitted consecutively during four months from January-April 1984 with pregnancy-induced hypertension. The criteria for diagnosis were a sustained diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg during the first 24 h after admission, normal blood pressure recordings in the first trimester and a plasma urate value exceeding 0.34 mmol/l. The values were grouped according to gestation length and compared with those in a control group of 96 women of similar gestation lengths who were normotensive. Both MPV and PDW were significantly greater in the hypertensive group whereas platelet numbers did not differ. It is concluded that measurement of MPV and PDW is a useful diagnostic criterion of pregnancy-induced hypertension.