Korean J Obstet Gynecol.
2006 Mar;49(3):544-552.
Differential diagnosis of Thrombocytopenia newly developed during pregnancy
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. jgrha@catholic.ac.kr
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Gestational thrombocytopenia has a mild course as a common problem during pregnancy, whereas idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) presents with a chronic or moderate to severe course. Very few studies have been conducted so far to discriminate between the two diseases. This study was aimed to identify factors predictive of the subsequent development of ITP among pregnant women presenting with thrombocytopenia.
METHODS
From January 1999 to June 2005, a total of 58 pregnant women newly diagnosed with thrombocytopenia were recruited for the study. Among them, 33 were finally diagnosed with gestational thrombocytopenia and the other 25 with ITP. The clinical factors for each of ITP and neonatal thrombocytopenia were evaluated, and final outcomes were also described.
RESULTS
On multivariate analysis, thrombocytopenia diagnosed before 28 completed weeks and platelet count of less then 50 x 10(9)/L at the time of its presentation were found to be independently predictive of ITP (p<0.001 and p=0.004 respectively). In addition, platelet count of less then 20 x 10(9)/L at nadir during pregnancy was a significant risk factor for neonatal thrombocytopenia (p=0.013).
CONCLUSION
The onset time of thrombocytopenia and platelet count at its presentation remain useful parameters to discriminate ITP from gestational thrombocytopenia. These findings may help in allowing an appropriate antenatal care and postpartum follow up.
