Getting the platelet count right: pitfalls for the obstetric anaesthetist

Abstract

Thrombocytopaenia features in pregnancy-associated conditions including pre-eclampsia and gestational thrombocytopaenia. The latter develops in 5–10% of obstetric patients, making this a common, though usually benign, presentation characterised by a low number of functioning platelets. 1 Reese J.A. Peck J.D. Deschamps D.R. et al. Platelet counts during pregnancy. N Engl J Med. 2018; 379: 32-43https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1802897 Crossref PubMed Scopus (104) Google Scholar We would like to draw attention to causes of erroneously low platelet counts that influenced clinical decisions in this cohort in our unit: anticoagulant-dependent pseudothrombocytopaenia and anisocytosis.