Clinical profile of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is defined as platelet count of less than normal for the laboratory. This typically is at or very close to1.5 lakh/cumm. Hence platelet count of less than 1.5 lakh/cumm is called as thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is not an uncommon finding; in fact, it is the second most common hematological disorder in pregnancy after anaemia and affects nearly 6 to 15%; on an average 10% of all pregnancies. The reported prevalence of maternal thrombocytopenia is variable. In a recent survey in 2000 involving 6770 pregnant women, prevalence of thrombocytopenia was found to be 11.6%. A prospective observational study conducted to identify causes for thrombocytopenia in pregnancy along with its neonatal outcome Out of total, 30% patients delivered low birth weight babies and 70% delivered babies with birth wt of >2.5kg. Occurrence of low birth weight babies in mothers with GT and ITP were comparable being 27.3% and 33.3% respectively. APGAR score (at 1 min) of neonates was less than 7 in 12% neonates while at 5 min it was below 7 in only 1(2%) baby. Neonates born to mothers with ITP had poor 1 minute APGAR score when compared to neonates born to patients with GT. There was no significant relationship found between maternal and fetal platelet counts in patients with gestational thrombocytopenia. ITP leads to neonatal thrombocytopenia. Keywords: Cord blood, Thrombocytopenia, APGAR scoring, ITP, Gestational thrombocytopenia.