Clinical relevance of grade III placenta in assessment of low level of plasma antithrombin III activity in pregnant women at term

Relationship between placental grade and mean platelet volume

This study was performed to investigate the correlation between mean platelet volume, as an indicator of thrombocyte function, and placental grade classified by the Grannum scoring system. Placental sonographic images were graded according to the Grannum scoring system, and synchronous haemogram samples were taken from patients who attended foetal assessments during the second and third trimesters. A total of 75 patients were in their second trimester, and 40 patients were in their third trimester. The relation between week of pregnancy and placental Grannum score was significant (p<0.001); i.e. placental Grannum score increased with gestational age. The association between Grannum score and mean platelet volume was analysed, including trimester and mean platelet volume, by linear regression analysis. The results indicated a distinct trimester-independent correlation between mean platelet volume and Grannum score (partial correlation coefficient=0.455; p<0.001). However, no correlation was observed between Grannum score and gravity (r=0.87; p=0.356), parity (r=0.97; p=0.302) or abortion (r=0.011; p=0.91). The correlation between mean platelet volume and placental calcification was investigated, and mean platelet volume in patients with a calcified placenta was 8.23 ± 1.14, whereas mean platelet volume in placentas with no calcification was 7.92 ± 1.18 (p=0.233). Mean platelet volume was an independent indicator of Grannum score, which is an indicator of placental grade, in women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Assessing mean platelet volume during routine screening may identify functional placental disorders.