Clinical characteristics and outcome of pregnant women presented with thrombocytopenia: an Egyptian single-center prospective study

Background Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy has a wide range of etiologies and clinical manifestations. A benign course is usually expected in most pregnancies. However, it can be associated with major obstetric complications. Early interdisciplinary approach of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is necessary for the best care of the expectant mothers and neonates. We evaluate the etiologies, severity of thrombocytopenia, clinical characteristics, and their impact on feto-maternal outcomes in 60 Egyptian pregnant women. Results The maternal age ranged from 19 to 41 years and the majority were primigravida 55%. Mild thrombocytopenia was found in 45% of patients and 20% presented with platelet counts less than 50 × 10 9 /L. Gestational thrombocytopenia was the most common cause followed by hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Immune thrombocytopenia affected 11.7%, systemic lupus erythematosus was documented in three patients and acute leukemia in one patient. Pregnancy unrelated causes were associated with significant earlier presentation, higher incidence of bleeding symptoms, and lower platelet counts. No significant association between maternal thrombocytopenia and neonatal complications was noted. Conclusion Maternal/neonatal complications depend primarily on the etiology of thrombocytopenia. Gestational thrombocytopenia was the most prevalent cause and was associated with better feto-maternal outcomes compared with other causes. Hematologists, nephrologists, and rheumatologists should be consulted for cases with a severe or atypical presentation due to pregnancy unrelated causes as early management may significantly improve the outcomes of pregnant women and their offspring.