Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of thrombocytopenia (mild, moderate & severe) with pregnancy-related disorders.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Haematology of Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, in collaboration with the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Pak Emirates Military Hospital and Fuji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Oct 2018 to Oct 2019.

Methodology: Seventy-five pregnant females with platelet count <150x109/l were included. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, manual count by Neubauer chamber, uric acid, urinary proteins, liver function tests (bilirubin & aspartate aminotransferase), lactate dehydrogenase, coagulation profile and viral serology (Hepatitis B & C).

Results: Out of a total of 75 thrombocytopenic pregnant females, gestational thrombocytopenia was most common (74.7%), followed by preeclampsia (17.3%), HELLP syndrome (4%), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (4%) respectively. Mild thrombocytopenia was frequently observed in patients of G.T. (62.5%), while moderate thrombocytopenia (84.6%) was generally detected in preeclampsia patients. Severe thrombocytopenia was mostly identified in patients with HELLP syndrome (66.7%) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (66.7%).

Conclusion: Mild thrombocytopenia is mostly presented in gestational thrombocytopenia. Moderate thrombocytopenia was frequent in patients with preeclampsia, and severe thrombocytopenia was usually diagnosed in patients with HELLP syndrome and immune thrombocytopenic purpura, which require apposite and judicious management for the safety of mother and fetus.