Effects of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension on Early-Onset Neonatal Thrombocytopenia

Background Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are potentially linked to similar pathophysiological processes. Maternal preeclampsia increases the occurrence of early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia. We hypothesized that maternal gestational hypertension would likewise impact the incidence of early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to validate our hypothesis. Methods In this study, we included 538 neonates, comprising 318 and 220 neonates born to healthy mothers and those with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), respectively. The minimum platelet count within 72 hours of birth was recorded for these neonates. The incidence of early-onset thrombocytopenia in neonates in relation to maternal gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and health status was evaluated. The differences between the three groups were analyzed using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between maternal gestational hypertension or preeclampsia and the risk of early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia. Results The incidence of early-onset thrombocytopenia in neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia was significantly higher than in those born to mothers with gestational hypertension or healthy mothers. Significant differences were observed between the three groups (30.0% vs. 13.3% vs. 7.9%, P < 0.001). Maternal gestational hypertension (OR=2.55, 95% CI 1.10–5.91, P < 0.05) and preeclampsia (OR=2.41, 95% CI 1.18–4.93, P <0.05) increased the risk of early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia when compared to healthy mothers. Conclusions Our findings suggest that maternal gestational hypertension increases the occurrence of early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia. Therefore, we recommend conducting platelet count screening in the early stages for newborns of mothers with gestational hypertension.