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Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: Gestational Thrombocytopenia and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

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Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis in Pregnancy

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Abstract

The management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) during pregnancy can be challenging. The diagnosis and distinction between gestational thrombocytopenia and ITP is important and requires assessment of the timing and degree of thrombocytopenia. Exclusion of thrombocytopenia of another origin and of secondary causes of ITP is also vital before embarking on treatment, and current therapeutic options are discussed in this chapter. The mode of delivery should be dictated by obstetric indications and not related to the platelet count. Fetal blood sampling is not recommended as the incidence of neonatal bleeding remains low, but a cord-derived blood count should be taken at birth. In babies who are thrombocytopenic, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment is recommended and counts should be repeated daily until normalization of the platelet count.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece

    Stavroula Tsiara PhD, FRCP

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maternity Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial Health Care Trust, London, UK

    Catherine Nelson-Piercy MA, FRCP, FRCOG

  3. Department of Haematology, Imperial Health Care Trust, London, UK

    Nichola Cooper MD, MRCP, FRCPath

Authors
  1. Stavroula Tsiara PhD, FRCP
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  2. Catherine Nelson-Piercy MA, FRCP, FRCOG
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  3. Nichola Cooper MD, MRCP, FRCPath
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Correspondence to Nichola Cooper MD, MRCP, FRCPath .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Aberdare Gardens 36, London, NW6 3QA, United Kingdom

    Hannah Cohen

  2. Dept. Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Chenies Mews 86-96, London, WC1E 6HX, United Kingdom

    Patrick O'Brien

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Tsiara, S., Nelson-Piercy, C., Cooper, N. (2012). Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: Gestational Thrombocytopenia and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. In: Cohen, H., O'Brien, P. (eds) Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis in Pregnancy. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4411-3_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4411-3_11

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