Can Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and Platelet Indices Predict the Severity of Pre-eclampsia?

Objective: The aim was to study the relationship between platelet indices and red cell distribution width (RDW) with pre-eclampsia and its severity.

Methods: A matched case-control hospital-based observational study was performed with 80 pre-eclamptic women and a control group of 80 normotensive women in the gestational age of 28+0 weeks - 40+6 weeks. Blood samples for routine blood count and RDW levels were analyzed.

Results: The RDW levels were significantly higher in pre-eclampsia group compared to the control group. We also confirmed that the RDW levels were significantly higher in women with severe pre-eclampsia as compared to women with non severe pre-eclampsia on subgroup analysis.

Conclusion: There is a statistically significant association between the RDW and risk of pre-eclampsia and also its severity. It is a marker which is easy to use, inexpensive and can be calculated as a part of routine blood count. It has significant prognostic value in patients with pre-eclampsia.