Can platelet activation markers predict preeclampsia and/or its severity?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the value of platelet activation markers in predicting preeclampsia and its severity. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that affects 3-5% of pregnancies and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus. METHODS: The study included 99 patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and 60 healthy pregnant women as a control group. Platelet activation markers such as mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet count, and plateletcrit were evaluated along with other clinical parameters. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that platelet activation markers, particularly PDW and MPV, are valuable in the diagnosis and follow-up of preeclampsia. However, they are not sufficient to predict the severity of the disease. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that platelet activation markers could aid in predicting, diagnosing, and managing preeclampsia. However, further research is needed to determine the role of these markers in predicting the severity of the disease. The findings of this study could contribute to the development of more effective strategies for the prevention and management of preeclampsia, which could ultimately improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

OBJETIVO: El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el valor de los marcadores de activación plaquetaria en la predicción de la preeclampsia y su gravedad. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 99 pacientes diagnosticadas con preeclampsia, incluyendo 36 casos graves, y un grupo control de 60 mujeres embarazadas sanas. Se evaluaron diversas variables, como el volumen plaquetario medio, el recuento de plaquetas, el hematocrito plaquetario y la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria. RESULTADOS: Los resultados mostraron que el volumen plaquetario medio y la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria son parámetros valiosos en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la preeclampsia, aunque no son suficientes para predecir su gravedad. El análisis estadístico reveló que la edad, el volumen plaquetario medio, la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria, la semana de gestación y los puntajes de Apgar al primer y quinto minuto fueron significativamente diferentes en el grupo de preeclampsia en comparación con el grupo control. CONCLUSIONES: En conclusión, estos resultados sugieren que los marcadores de activación plaquetaria pueden ser útiles para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la preeclampsia, y que el volumen plaquetario medio y la amplitud de distribución plaquetaria, por ser parámetros económicos y accesibles, podrían ayudar a predecir, diagnosticar y manejar esta complicación durante el embarazo.

The effect of informing the patient about the procedure with video imaging before office hysteroscopy on pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of informing patients undergoing diagnostic office hysteroscopy via a video 24 h before the procedure and determine the changes in pain scores, channel transit time, the degree of difficulty of the procedure, and physiological parameters. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The study was conducted between September 1, 2021 and April 1, 2022 at the University of Health Sciences Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 134 patients aged 18-65 years who needed diagnostic office hysteroscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized into two groups, the standard information group (Group 1: controls), and the video information + standard information group (Group 2). After office hysteroscopy, a visual analog scale (VAS) and Likert scale were used to assess pain and the degree of difficulty of the procedure, respectively. Physiological parameters were evaluated before and after the procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: To determine the effect of video-based multimedia information administered 24 h before office hysteroscopy on post-procedure pain. RESULTS: The mean VAS score of the group that watched the training video (3.02 ± 1.88) was significantly lower than the control group (4.72 ± 2.54) who did not watch the training video (p < 0.001). The mean cervical channel transit time in seconds (sec) during the procedure was found to be significantly higher in the control group (21.57 ± 15.10 s) than in the video-watching group (p = 0.011). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of physiological parameters and the degree of ease of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that informing patients in a pre-procedure video is an effective approach that shortens the duration of the channel transit time and reduces pain.