Intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin in the treatment of resistant immune thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnancy

Diagnostic Ideas and Management Strategies for Thrombocytopenia of Unknown Causes in Pregnancy

Objective

To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment options together with the maternal and neonatal prognoses in women with different degrees of thrombocytopenia of unknown causes during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

One hundred twenty-nine cases meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into group A (50*10⁹/L) and group B (50*10⁹/L to 100*10⁹/L) according to the lowest level of platelet count during pregnancy. Patients were divided into those found to have thrombocytopenia in the relatively early, middle, and late stages according to the detection period of maternal thrombocytopenia during pregnancy.

Results

There were 72 cases in group A, and 57 cases in group B. There existed statistically significant differences in terms of the proportion of primipara, the proportion with a history of thrombocytopenia, and the median length of pregnancy between the two groups (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with severe thrombocytopenia as an indication for cesarean delivery was higher in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). More cases were detected at the relatively early stages of pregnancy in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). There was no difference in neonatal hemorrhage and events of thrombocytopenia between the two groups.

Conclusion

Patients with platelet counts below 50*10⁹/L were mostly primipara with a history of thrombocytopenia, most often detected at a relatively early stage of pregnancy, and continued pregnancy might lead to aggravation of the disease. Combination therapy was required for patients with platelet counts below 30*10⁹/L to maintain the platelet counts within a safe range. Cesarean delivery was selected to terminate the pregnancies, and platelet counts should be raised above 50*10⁹/L before surgery. Close monitoring was required for those with platelet counts above 30*10⁹/L. There was no direct correlation between the maternal and neonatal platelet counts.

Report on the management of thrombocytopenia in obstetric patients: A retrospective study

Thrombocytopenia occurs to approximately 8%–10% of pregnant women and this condition is a notable source of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. In the recent years, our comprehension of thrombocytopenia has progressed on pregnancy. Nevertheless, there has not been adequate information about thrombocytopenia outcomes in obstetric patients. With regard to this topic, we reviewed published reports as an update from the managements on these cases. Nevertheless, recommendations for management of delivery in obstetric women with thrombocytopenia are based on several hypotheses requiring critical analysis. For this cause, we reviewed the management of pregnant patients with thrombocytopenia treated over a period of 37 years.

Refractory severe immune thrombocytopenia in a twin pregnancy

A 34-year-old woman presented at 29 weeks gestation of a twin pregnancy, with a platelet count of 1 × 10⁹/l. She was extensively investigated and was subsequently diagnosed with severe immune thrombocytopenia. She did not respond to initial treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. She also failed to respond to second-line therapies of Anti-D immunoglobulin, Azathioprine and the thrombopoietin agonist Romiplostim. Her case was further complicated by an episode of obstetric cholestasis possibly related to Azathioprine treatment. She went on to require plasma exchange around the time of an elective Caesarean section which provided temporary improvement in the platelet count and enabled safe delivery. This case highlights some of the challenges faced in the management of patients with severe and refractory immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy.

Immune thrombocytopenia and pregnancy

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is not infrequently encountered during reproductive years with an estimated incidence of 0.1-1 per 1000 pregnancies. An international consensus group recently re-defined ITP and outlined standardized response criteria and up-to-date investigation and management. The pathogenesis encompasses autoantibody platelet destruction and immune-mediated decreased platelet production. Maternal antibodies may cross the placenta and have the potential to cause fetal and/or neonatal thrombocytopenia. The diagnosis and subsequent management of ITP in pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach involving the midwife, obstetrician, haematologist and anaesthetist. Women with ITP diagnosed prior to pregnancy should receive preconception counselling to outline potential treatments and provide information regarding expected maternal and neonatal outcome. Management prior to 36 weeks aims to avoid treatment in the absence of bleeding and ensure an acceptable platelet count for planned procedures. At 34-36 weeks, women are generally reviewed to consider whether a tailored course of treatment is required in preparation for delivery. Further research is required to determine a suitable platelet count for neuraxial anaesthesia. The mode of delivery should be guided by obstetric indication. It is pertinent to consider both the risk of maternal bleeding and thrombosis in maternal ITP. The risk of neonatal intracranial haemorrhage in association with ITP is less than 1%. Postpartum a cord blood platelet count should be checked. Additional management is dependent upon the neonatal platelet count. Data collection using the new standardized terminology should provide robust comparable epidemiological data regarding ITP in pregnancy.

International consensus report on the investigation and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia

Previously published guidelines for the diagnosis and management of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) require updating largely due to the introduction of new classes of therapeutic agents, and a greater understanding of the disease pathophysiology. However, treatment-related decisions still remain principally dependent on clinical expertise or patient preference rather than high-quality clinical trial evidence. This consensus document aims to report on new data and provide consensus-based recommendations relating to diagnosis and treatment of ITP in adults, in children, and during pregnancy. The inclusion of summary tables within this document, supported by information tables in the online appendices, is intended to aid in clinical decision making.