RESUMEN
AIM: The present study aims to determine whether mean platelet volume (MPV) specified in late first trimester of pregnancy can be used to predict pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). METHODS: This study prospectively reviews 200 healthy women with 11-14-week-old pregnancies. RESULTS: Average pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) multiples of the median (MoM) value was significantly lower and MPV was significantly higher in pre-eclamptic pregnancies (P = 0.001 for both). MPV values of 10.5 fl or more can predict pre-eclampsia with 66.7% sensitivity and 63.8% specificity. The combination of MPV of 10.5 fl or more and PAPP-A MoM of 0.33 or less can predict pre-eclampsia with 75% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity. MPV values of 10.5 fl or more can predict IUGR with 82.4% sensitivity and 60.0% specificity. The combination of MPV of 10.5 fl or more and PAPP-A MoM of 0.33 or less can predict IUGR with 85.3% sensitivity and 62.0% specificity. CONCLUSION: Increased MPV reflects enhanced platelet activation which may be caused by impairment in uteroplacental circulation. When MPV of 10.1 or more and PAPP-A MoM of 0.33 or less are combined as a threshold, the pregnancies that are destined to develop IUGR and pre-eclampsia can be predicted with considerably high sensitivity and specificity. The MPV and PAPP-A combination can be addressed as a useful biochemical tool for the prediction of IUGR and pre-eclampsia in late first trimester.