Understanding and Managing Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: A Case Series

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count of less than 1.5 L/mm3, is a common haematological disorder encountered during pregnancy. It can arise from a variety of causes, including immune-mediated destruction, gestational thrombocytopenia, and underlying medical conditions such as preeclampsia or Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels and Low Platelet (HELLP) syndrome, with gestational thrombocytopenia being the most common. Hereby, the authors present a case series including six patients with thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. The clinical characteristics, diagnostic work-up, management strategies, and maternal and foetal outcomes in patients with varying aetiologies of thrombocytopenia were described in present series. Understanding the aetiology and management of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is crucial for optimising maternal and foetal outcomes, and this series contributes valuable clinical insights into this important area of obstetric haematology. It underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex obstetric cases involving thrombocytopenia and other co-morbidities. Effective collaboration among obstetricians, haematologists, physicians, and specialists is essential for addressing the challenges of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy and achieving the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

Keywords

• gestational immune thrombocytopenia
• haemolysis
• management strategies
• platelets count disorder
• pregnancy induced thrombocytopenia