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Semin Thromb Hemost 2011; 37(6): 640-652
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1291374
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Thrombocytopenia and Disorders of Platelet Function in Pregnancy

Rezan A. Kadir1 , Claire McLintock2
  • 1Haemophilia Centre & Thrombosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
  • 2National Women's Health, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 November 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is associated with physiological and pathological changes in platelet numbers and function, which can be of clinical concern because of risks for maternal and fetal or neonatal bleeding. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is frequently encountered and may be due to increased platelet turnover and plasma dilution, immune-mediated mechanisms, or a complication of a more severe underlying pregnancy-related disorder such as preeclampsia. Inherited defects in platelet function and number may also manifest during pregnancy with the risk of bleeding dependent on the underlying problem. In some women, the diagnosis of thrombocytopenia will precede pregnancy but in others, the problem is first identified when routine pregnancy blood tests are performed. An accurate diagnosis and risk assessment in the antenatal period are essential for developing specific plans for any antenatal interventions and for management of delivery and the postpartum periods, and the neonate. Management of pregnant women with platelet disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration between the obstetric and hematology teams.

KEYWORDS

Immune thrombocytopenia - gestational thrombocytopenia - thrombocytopenia with pregnancy - neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

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Rezan A KadirM.B. Ch.B. M.D. M.R.C.O.G. F.R.C.S. (Ed) 

Haemophilia Centre & Thrombosis Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

The Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK

Email: rezan.abdul-kadir@nhs.uk