A retrospective 11-year analysis of obstetric patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

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Abstract
Numerous studies have examined the outcomes of infants born to mothers with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Fewer studies have discussed the morbidity of obstetric patients with ITP. We describe a retrospective study of 92 women with ITP during 119 pregnancies over an 11-year period. Most women had thrombocytopenia during pregnancy. At delivery, women in 98 pregnancies (89%) had platelet counts lower than 150 × 109/L; most had mild to moderate thrombocytopenia. For many, the pregnancy was uneventful; however, women had moderate to severe bleeding in 25 pregnancies (21.5%). Women in 37 pregnancies (31.1%) required treatment to increase platelet counts. During delivery, 44 women (37.3%) received epidural analgesia without complications, with most having a platelet count between 50 and 149 × 109/L. Most deliveries (82.4%) were vaginal. Bleeding was uncommon at delivery. Infant platelet counts at birth ranged from 12 to 436 × 109/L; 25.2% of infants had platelet counts lower than 150 × 109/L, and 9% had platelet counts lower than 50 × 109/L. Eighteen infants (14.6%) required treatment for hemostatic impairment. Two fetal deaths occurred. One was caused by hemorrhage. ITP in pregnancy carries a low risk, but mothers and infants may require therapy to raise their platelet counts. (Blood. 2003;102:4306-4311)