Outcome of pregnancy in women with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

The obstetric management and haematological problems in 28 pregnancies of 23 mothers with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are analyzed. There was no maternal death and only 1 stillbirth occurred in the series. Ten infants were born by Caesarean section and 18 were delivered vaginally. Neonatal cord bloodplatelet counts showed thrombocytopenia in 12 infants, but in only 4 (14.3%) was the cord blood platelet count <50 x 10(9)/L. None of the 27 liveborn infants died, although 4 required supportive treatment with corticosteroids and IgG. No maternal characteristics could be used to predict the neonatal platelet count. These results are comparable with other studies reported in the literature. The rarity of poor neonatal outcome in mothers with ITP does not justify obstetric intervention solely on the basis of their platelet counts. The management of patients should be individualized and carefully planned.