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OB

Gestational Thrombocytopenia – a Diagnosis of Exclusion

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Thrombocytopenia is a common finding which occurs in 7-12% of pregnant women. The cause of isolated thrombocytopenia may be differentiated by history, physical examination, laboratory investigation, and medical imaging.

CLINICAL ACTIONS:

When evaluating a patient for gestational thrombocytopenia (GT), consider the following

  • ≥Use platelet count <150 x 109/L to define thrombocytopenia in pregnancy
    • Normal platelet range in nonpregnant women is 165-415 x 109/L
    • Expect lower platelet counts in pregnant women, especially 3rd trimester
  • Order the following tests to assist with diagnosis/underlying cause
    • complete blood count and peripheral smear
    • liver enzymes
    • thyroid function tests
    • vitamin B12 and folate
    • HCV,HIV,HBV
    • PT/PTT
    • antinuclear antibody, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus inhibitor
    • Based on clinical context, may require medical imaging to evaluate splenic size
  • Diagnose GT in the absence of historical, clinical, hematological and biochemical findings that would suggest another underlying condition
  • Transfuse platelets to achieve minimum platelet counts if
    • <10 x 109/L even without surgery and/or procedures
    • <50 x 109/L if active bleeding present unless undergoing cesarean in which case prophylactic platelet transfusion is recommended  (or other major surgery as per AABB guidance)
  • Epidural and spinal “are considered acceptable” if ≥70 x 109/L prior to epidural and
    • Platelet level stable | No coagulopathy | Platelet function normal | No antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy
    • Limited evidence regarding low-dose aspirin combined with thrombocytopenia and neuraxial blockade

SYNOPSIS:

GT is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy and accounts for 80% of such cases.  GT may be a result of hemodilution and enhanced platelet clearance. The low platelet counts associated with GT are seen during the second and third trimesters with the nadir rarely lower than 70 x 109/L. The diagnosis of GT is made by the presence of a decreased platelet count during pregnancy and should be considered a diagnosis of exclusion. GT usually resolves within days to two months postpartum.

KEY POINTS:

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may be difficult to distinguish from GT

  • ITP induces development of platelet autoantibodies that may cross the placenta
  • Features that may help distinguish GT from ITP
    • GT usually mid-late 2nd & 3rd trimester / ITP all trimesters
    • GT only in pregnancy / ITP may occur outside pregnancy
    • GT will resolve postpartum / ITP may not resolve
    • GT does not affect fetus or neonate / ITP may cause neonatal thrombocytopenia
  • If the diagnosis thrombocytopenia is unclear at the time of delivery, assume ITP and manage accordingly due to fetal/newborn risk for thrombocytopenia
    • Mode of delivery in ITP should be based on obstetric indications alone
  • ITP treatment options comparable to non-pregnant management – corticosteroids and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)
    • In pregnancy, may start at lower end of prednisone dose (10-20 mg daily) and titrate up
  • Both GT and ITP may recur

Other disorders resulting in non-isolated thrombocytopenia that will present with other related findings include

  • Primary thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA)
    • ADAMTS13-deficient TMA – Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
    • Complement-mediated TMA – Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Preeclampsia
    • 50% of women with preeclampsia will have <150 x 109/L
    • HELLP syndrome
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
    • Severe preeclampsia
    • Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD)
    • HELLP syndrome
    • Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
  • Infection (e.g., HIV, hepatitis C, CMV, Helicobacter pylori)
  • Drug induced (e.g. heparin, antimicrobials, anticonvulsants)

Learn More – Primary Sources:

Thrombocytopenic syndromes in pregnancy

ACOG Practice Bulletin 207: Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy

Platelet Transfusion: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the AABB

Locate a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist:

Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Locator-SMFM

Want to be notified when new guidelines are released?

Learn More »

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Related ObG Topics:

Diagnosing Preeclampsia – Key Definitions and ACOG Guidelines
Gestational Thrombocytopenia: What is the Threshold for Further Follow-Up?

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