COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COAGULATION PROFILE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION (PIH)

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction and activation of the coagulation cascade in PIH may result in significant hematological and coagulation abnormalities, making their assessment important for early diagnosis and management.

Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 110 pregnant women, including 55 women with PIH and 55 normotensive controls. Platelet count, bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were evaluated using standard laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Women with PIH had significantly lower platelet counts (1.00 ± 0.50 vs. 3.09 ± 0.61 lakh/cu.mm; p < 0.0001). PT and aPTT also differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.0001). Although BT and CT were altered in the PIH group, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Pre-eclampsia was the most common clinical diagnosis (52.73%) among women with PIH.

Conclusion: PIH is associated with significant hematological and coagulation abnormalities, particularly thrombocytopenia and altered coagulation parameters. Routine evaluation of platelet count and coagulation profile may facilitate early diagnosis, risk stratification, and timely management, thereby improving maternal and fetal outcomes.