Effects of Maternal Thrombocytopenia on Pregnancy Outcome: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Platelets are non -nucleated cellular fragments of megakaryocytes, they play a critical role in haemostasis. Thrombocytopenia is a common medical disorder and is defined as platelet count less than 150,000/µl.

Objective: To study the aetiology of maternal thrombocytopenia and its effect on pregnancy outcomes.

Subjects and Methods: This prospective study was carried over a period of two years from July 2015-May2017 in SKIMS Medical College Bemina. Pregnant women with low platelet counts (count less than 150,000 /µl) in third trimester were taken as cases and rest served as controlled. All the thrombocytopenic cases were followed up throughout the antenatal period till delivery to record any complications that may develop due to low platelet counts. Platelet counts were repeated in the postpartum period at 1 & 6 weeks. Babies of all cases were tested for thrombocytopenia.

Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in pregnant Kashmiri females was found to be 9.38%. Most cases were due to the condition labelled as gestational thrombocytopenia, the exact cause of which is unknown. It accounted for 60.2% of cases. Obstetric causes accounted for 23.2% of cases and medical causes accounted for 16% of cases. The incidence of postpartum haemorrhage in cases was 6.8% and in controls 2.4%, though the incidence is higher but statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: No significant increase in maternal complications and pregnancy seen with regards to thrombocytopenia.