PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY IN CASE OF IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA

Clinical data from eight pregnant women with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were retrospectively analysed. The mean age of the women was 28.2 years. Five women underwent splenectomy during childhood. The lowest maternal platelet count observed ranged from 8000 to 88000/mm(3) Genital bleeding occurred in only one case. Treatment was based on administration of corticosteroids with or without human-pooled immunglobulins. Caesarian section was performed in all cases. Six newborns were healthy and had a successful subsequent course. Two infants died, one in utero because of abruptio placentae and the other one 1 month post partum because of a cerebral haematoma. After a mean follow-up of eighteen months, thrombocytopenia is still present in two women, despite the continuous treatment. In conclusion, ITP rather rarely coincides with pregnancy. Treatment is usually successful for the mother but the risk for the fetus remains considerably high.