Case Description: “Are You Sure the Platelet Count is Only 2???” Cesarean Section in the Setting of Severe Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Gestational thrombocytopenia, preeclampsia, and immune thrombocytopenia are commonly recognized etiologies of low platelet counts representing the vast majority of encountered gestational cases (86-100%). However, there are many other rare causes. The following case details a patient with three prior pregnancies, each remarkable for profound unexplained thrombocytopenia, which promptly normalized following delivery. It further details her fourth pregnancy, similar thrombocytopenia, an investigation into the causes, balancing platelet transfusion against the risk of alloimmunization, in-hospital treatment, and her eventual anesthetic, resuscitation, and delivery.

Keywords

• alloimmunization
• cesarean section
• thrombocytopenia