[Thrombocytopenia and pregnancy]

Abstract

The occurrence of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is frequent (about 10%). Etiologies of thrombocytopenia are dominated by the gestational thrombocytopenia (>75%), which requires no exploration and no specific treatment; it usually occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy and corrects itself spontaneously after delivery. Other etiologies are: (1) immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) either primary or associated with other pathologies; ITP may appear early in the first trimester of pregnancy, (2) thrombotic microangiopathy syndromes, and (3) obstetric thrombocytopenia: eclampsia and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count). Treatment of pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome is based on resuscitative measures and symptomatic fetal extraction that will be discussed according to the term and severity of the case. The treatment of microangiopathy is based on resuscitation and plasma exchange. For ITP, no specific action is needed during pregnancy and only symptomatic patients with a platelet count less than 30×10(9)/L must receive a treatment. It is important to prepare the childbirth that can be vaginally except if there is an obstetric contraindication. A platelet count of 50×10(9)/L is required for the delivery, and of 75×10(9)/L in case of spinal anesthesia. Treatment implies a short course of corticosteroids associated with infusion of immunoglobulins in the most severe forms or in case of steroids resistance. There is a risk of neonatal thrombocytopenia requiring a control of the blood count for the baby at birth and within 5 days, newborns have to be treated if the platelet count is less than 20×10(9)/L.