The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, Vol 15, Issue 4 290-297, Copyright © 2002 by American Board of Family Practice

ARTICLES

Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

J. A. Levy and L. D. Murphy
United States Army Health Clinic, Friedberg, Germany.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count of less than 150,000/microL, has been more commonly diagnosed in pregnant women in the last 20 years because platelet counts are included with the automated blood cell counters. Evaluation and treatment of this condition can be expensive and invasive and can result in an adverse outcome. METHODS: MEDLINE was searched from 1980 to present using the key words. "thrombocytopenia," "pregnancy," and "platelet." Case reports were excluded from literature review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia is the second most common hematologic abnormality during pregnancy and is usually a benign condition. Some patients, however, will have chronic medical disorders or pregnancy-induced conditions that require further evaluation and therapy. Even with its wide differential diagnosis, the cause of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy can usually be determined with a thorough history, physical examination, and directed laboratory studies. The challenge to the clinician is to weigh the risks of maternal and fetal bleeding complications against the benefits of diagnostic tests and interventions.