Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy: an institutional based prospective study of one year

Abstract

Background: Platelets are non-nucleated cellular fragments of megakaryocytes, they play a critical role in haemostasis. Thrombocytopenia, defined as blood platelet count below 150.000/μL is the second leading cause of blood disorders in pregnancy after anemia. It complicates 7 to 10% of all pregnancies. Gestational thrombocytopenia explains 70-80% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders account for approximately 20% and immune thrombocytopenic purpura for about 3-4%. Other etiologies are considered rare in pregnancy.Methods: The study was conducted in the tertiary institute over a period of one year, from January 2016 to December 2016. The samples of blood were collected from the Antenatal out-patient department and from indoor patients of the department of gynecology and obstetrics of the J.K. Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India.Results: Maximum number of patients had moderate degree of anemia around 58%. Most of the cases presented during 30-34 weeks of gestation. The most common etiology was gestational thrombocytopenia.Conclusions: Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy may occur secondary to a variety of causes. Most of these cases occur during specific periods of gestation. Management of pregnant women with platelet disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration between obstetric and hepatologist.