Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: Gestational Thrombocytopenia and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

  • Stavroula Tsiara
  • Catherine Nelson-Piercy
  • Nichola Cooper
Chapter
First Online:

Abstract

The management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) during pregnancy can be challenging. The diagnosis and distinction between gestational thrombocytopenia and ITP is important and requires assessment of the timing and degree of thrombocytopenia. Exclusion of thrombocytopenia of another origin and of secondary causes of ITP is also vital before embarking on treatment, and current therapeutic options are discussed in this chapter. The mode of delivery should be dictated by obstetric indications and not related to the platelet count. Fetal blood sampling is not recommended as the incidence of neonatal bleeding remains low, but a cord-derived blood count should be taken at birth. In babies who are thrombocytopenic, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment is recommended and counts should be repeated daily until normalization of the platelet count.

Keywords

Platelet Count Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Hemorrhagic Complication 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag London 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  • Stavroula Tsiara
    • 1
  • Catherine Nelson-Piercy
    • 2
  • Nichola Cooper
    • 3
  1. 1.Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Ioannina, School of Medicine IoanninaIoanninaGreece
  2. 2.Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMaternity Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial Health Care TrustLondonUK
  3. 3.Department of HaematologyImperial Health Care TrustLondonUK

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