Which platelet count criterion is used to indicate severe features in preeclampsia?

Which platelet count criterion is used to indicate severe features in preeclampsia?

• A. Platelets less than 100,000 per mm3
• B. Platelets greater than 200,000
• C. Platelets 150,000 per mm3
• D. Platelets 300,000 per mm3

Answer: (A)

Thrombocytopenia is a key indicator of severe features in preeclampsia. When platelets fall below 100,000 per cubic millimeter, it signals significant platelet consumption or destruction, increasing the risk of maternal complications such as bleeding and HELLP syndrome. This threshold is used in guidelines to classify preeclampsia as having severe features, guiding management decisions, including closer monitoring and often delivery. Counts that are normal or high—such as 150,000, 200,000, or 300,000 per mm3—do not indicate severe disease features. They reflect typical or benign levels and do not carry the same risk signal as marked thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia is a key indicator of severe features in preeclampsia. When platelets fall below 100,000 per cubic millimeter, it signals significant platelet consumption or destruction, increasing the risk of maternal complications such as bleeding and HELLP syndrome. This threshold is used in guidelines to classify preeclampsia as having severe features, guiding management decisions, including closer monitoring and often delivery.

Counts that are normal or high—such as 150,000, 200,000, or 300,000 per mm3—do not indicate severe disease features. They reflect typical or benign levels and do not carry the same risk signal as marked thrombocytopenia.