Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Pregnancy: A Case Report in a Health Institution in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

In comparison with reports among Caucasians, immune thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP) is thought to be uncommon in native black Africans and persons of African ancestry worldwide. The uncommon presentation of these instances provides the information required for the collection of data for prospective research and as a foundation for improving illness management techniques aimed at promoting feto-maternal health. This paper offers a retrospective review of a 32-year-old woman who was diagnosed with ITP in her first trimester of pregnancy following a two-day history of nasal bleeding. Four years prior to her presentation, the patient had similar bleeding event, but was undiagnosed; however, it was managed by unorthodox means, with resolution of symptoms. Thereafter, she had recurrent episodes at this index presentation and a year earlier. For the treatment of this condition, corticosteroids such as oral prednisolone, intravenous methylprednisolone and dexamethasone were used in curtailing the bleeding episodes, despite the recurrence. The effectiveness of these medications was striking. She gave birth to a live female neonate through spontaneous vaginal delivery, and overall, the outcome was excellent in both the mother and neonate.