What is the common clinical finding in patients with severe preeclampsia?

In patients with severe preeclampsia, thrombocytopenia is a common clinical finding. Preeclampsia is characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, and in severe cases, it can lead to a variety of complications, including hematological issues. Thrombocytopenia, which is a decrease in platelet count, occurs due to increased platelet consumption and activation related to the systemic inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction characteristic of severe preeclampsia.

The presence of low platelets is significant because it not only indicates the severity of the disease but also reflects potential progression to more serious conditions such as HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets). Monitoring platelet levels is crucial in managing patients with severe preeclampsia to identify these complications early and guide therapeutic interventions.

The other potential findings, such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and severe hypotension, are not typically associated with severe preeclampsia. Rather, preeclampsia and its severe forms are more commonly linked to hypertension and organ dysfunction than to electrolyte imbalances or hypotensive states directly. Thus, thrombocytopenia stands out as the correct and relevant