Thrombocytopenia Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
, , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(12):834-840
, , , Thrombocytopenia, defined as platelet count < 150,000mm3, is frequently diagnosed by obstetricians since this parameter is included in routine surveillance during pregnancy, with an incidence of between 7 and 12%. Therefore, decisions regarding subsequent examination and management are primordial. While most of the cases are due to physiological changes, as gestational thrombocytopenia, other causes can be related to severe conditions that can lead to fetal or maternal death. Differentiating these conditions might be challenging: they can be pregnancy-specific (pre-eclampsia/ HELLP syndrome [hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets]), or not (immune thrombocytopenia purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome). Understanding the mechanisms and recognition of symptoms and signs is essential to decide an adequate line of investigation. The severity of thrombocytopenia, its etiology and gestational age dictates different treatment regimens.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(12):834-840
, , , Thrombocytopenia, defined as platelet count < 150,000mm3, is frequently diagnosed by obstetricians since this parameter is included in routine surveillance during pregnancy, with an incidence of between 7 and 12%. Therefore, decisions regarding subsequent examination and management are primordial. While most of the cases are due to physiological changes, as gestational thrombocytopenia, other causes can be related to severe conditions that can lead to fetal or maternal death. Differentiating these conditions might be challenging: they can be pregnancy-specific (pre-eclampsia/ HELLP syndrome [hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets]), or not (immune thrombocytopenia purpura, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome). Understanding the mechanisms and recognition of symptoms and signs is essential to decide an adequate line of investigation. The severity of thrombocytopenia, its etiology and gestational age dictates different treatment regimens.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(10):669-671
The present report describes the case of a 31-year-old primigravida, with dichorionic twins at 31 weeks. She presented with history of myalgia, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort. No flu-like symptoms as fever or cough. She was not aware of exposure to COVID-19. Normal blood pressure and O2 saturation. Laboratory tests showed platelet count of 218,000 mm3, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 558 IU and serum creatinine 2.3 mg/dl. Doppler ultrasound in one twin was compatible with brain sparing. Partial hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome was the hypothesis, and a cesarean section was performed. On day 2, the white-cell count reached 33,730, with decreased consciousness and mild respiratory distress. Tomography revealed both lungs with ground-glass opacities. Swab for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive. Thrombocytopenia in patients with COVID-19 appears to be multifactorial, similar to what occurs in preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. We assume that the synergism of these pathophysiological mechanisms could accelerate the compromise of maternal conditions and could be a warning to the obstetric practice.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(10):669-671
The present report describes the case of a 31-year-old primigravida, with dichorionic twins at 31 weeks. She presented with history of myalgia, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort. No flu-like symptoms as fever or cough. She was not aware of exposure to COVID-19. Normal blood pressure and O2 saturation. Laboratory tests showed platelet count of 218,000 mm3, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 558 IU and serum creatinine 2.3 mg/dl. Doppler ultrasound in one twin was compatible with brain sparing. Partial hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome was the hypothesis, and a cesarean section was performed. On day 2, the white-cell count reached 33,730, with decreased consciousness and mild respiratory distress. Tomography revealed both lungs with ground-glass opacities. Swab for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive. Thrombocytopenia in patients with COVID-19 appears to be multifactorial, similar to what occurs in preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. We assume that the synergism of these pathophysiological mechanisms could accelerate the compromise of maternal conditions and could be a warning to the obstetric practice.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(12):803-807
Thrombocytopenia is the most common hemostatic change in pregnancy, but severe thrombocytopenia is rare. One of the causes, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), is characterized by increased platelet destruction by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, presenting a high risk of hemorrhage for the patient, but also for the fetus, since antibodiesmay cross the placenta.We present the case of a 23-year-old pregnant woman with a history of Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the mandible submitted to surgery and chemotherapy when she was 10 years old, with diagnosis of ITP since then. At 28 weeks of gestation, she presented with petechiae, epistaxis, and gingival bleeding, with a platelet count of 3 x 109/L and positive IgG antiplatelet antibodies test. At a multidisciplinary discussion, it was decided to delay a cesarean section, due to the absence of fetal distress and to the high risk of morbidity for the patient. Many therapies were attempted without success. The IgG produced a slight and transient increase in the platelet count. On the 36th week of gestation, an elective cesarean section was performed. The perioperative period transfusions were guided by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) monitoring. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and videolaryngoscopy-assisted intubation. The patient was hemodynamically stable, without significant bleeding, and was transferred to the intensive care unit. The platelet count eventually decreased and a splenectomy was performed. Regional anesthesia may be contraindicated, and general anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of airway hemorrhage due to traumatic injury during the tracheal intubation and of hemorrhage associated with the surgical procedure. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in high-risk cases.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(12):803-807
Thrombocytopenia is the most common hemostatic change in pregnancy, but severe thrombocytopenia is rare. One of the causes, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), is characterized by increased platelet destruction by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, presenting a high risk of hemorrhage for the patient, but also for the fetus, since antibodiesmay cross the placenta.We present the case of a 23-year-old pregnant woman with a history of Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the mandible submitted to surgery and chemotherapy when she was 10 years old, with diagnosis of ITP since then. At 28 weeks of gestation, she presented with petechiae, epistaxis, and gingival bleeding, with a platelet count of 3 x 109/L and positive IgG antiplatelet antibodies test. At a multidisciplinary discussion, it was decided to delay a cesarean section, due to the absence of fetal distress and to the high risk of morbidity for the patient. Many therapies were attempted without success. The IgG produced a slight and transient increase in the platelet count. On the 36th week of gestation, an elective cesarean section was performed. The perioperative period transfusions were guided by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) monitoring. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and videolaryngoscopy-assisted intubation. The patient was hemodynamically stable, without significant bleeding, and was transferred to the intensive care unit. The platelet count eventually decreased and a splenectomy was performed. Regional anesthesia may be contraindicated, and general anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of airway hemorrhage due to traumatic injury during the tracheal intubation and of hemorrhage associated with the surgical procedure. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in high-risk cases.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(10):280-285
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001000002
PURPOSE: To analyze the results of assessment of fetal well-being in pregnancies complicated by moderate or severe maternal thrombocytopenia. METHODS: Data from April 2001 to July 2011 of 96 women with a diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed. We analyzed the following tests performed during the antepartum period for fetal assessment: cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry. RESULTS: A total of 96 pregnancies with the following diagnoses were analyzed: gestational thrombocytopenia (n=37, 38.5%) hypersplenism (n=32, 33.3%), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, n=14, 14.6%), secondary immune thrombocytopenia (n=6, 6.3%), bone marrow aplasia (n=3, 3.1%), and others (n=4, 4.1%). Cardiotocography showed normal results in 94% of cases, a fetal biophysical profile with an index of 8 or 10 in 96.9% and an amniotic fluid index >5.0 cm in 89.6%. Doppler umbilical artery velocimetry showed normal results in 96.9% of cases. In the analysis of the major groups of thrombocytopenia, the diagnosis of oligohydramnios was found to be significantly more frequent in the group with ITP (28.6%) compared to the other groups (gestational thrombocytopenia: 5.4% and hypersplenism: 9.4%, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that in pregnancies complicated by moderate or severe maternal thrombocytopenia, even though the fetal well-being remains preserved in most cases, fetal surveillance is important in pregnant women with ITP, with emphasis on amniotic fluid volume evaluation due to its association with oligohydramnios.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(10):280-285
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001000002
PURPOSE: To analyze the results of assessment of fetal well-being in pregnancies complicated by moderate or severe maternal thrombocytopenia. METHODS: Data from April 2001 to July 2011 of 96 women with a diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed. We analyzed the following tests performed during the antepartum period for fetal assessment: cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry. RESULTS: A total of 96 pregnancies with the following diagnoses were analyzed: gestational thrombocytopenia (n=37, 38.5%) hypersplenism (n=32, 33.3%), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, n=14, 14.6%), secondary immune thrombocytopenia (n=6, 6.3%), bone marrow aplasia (n=3, 3.1%), and others (n=4, 4.1%). Cardiotocography showed normal results in 94% of cases, a fetal biophysical profile with an index of 8 or 10 in 96.9% and an amniotic fluid index >5.0 cm in 89.6%. Doppler umbilical artery velocimetry showed normal results in 96.9% of cases. In the analysis of the major groups of thrombocytopenia, the diagnosis of oligohydramnios was found to be significantly more frequent in the group with ITP (28.6%) compared to the other groups (gestational thrombocytopenia: 5.4% and hypersplenism: 9.4%, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that in pregnancies complicated by moderate or severe maternal thrombocytopenia, even though the fetal well-being remains preserved in most cases, fetal surveillance is important in pregnant women with ITP, with emphasis on amniotic fluid volume evaluation due to its association with oligohydramnios.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(3):201-206
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000300005
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate platelet parameters in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnant women. METHODS: a controlled cross-sectional study was carried out. The medical records of the women who had delivered in the Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller-Cuiabá/MT, from January 1, 2001 to July 31, 2002, were reviewed. The pregnant women were pre-selected based on their platelet parameters analyses performed after the 28th week of gestation. Two groups of study were analyzed: PE group (36 pre-eclamptic women) and NP group (58 normal pregnant women). The platelet parameters analyzed by the automated method were: platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet - large cells ratio (P-LCR). For statistical analysis the Student t-test and the chi-square test were used to compare the groups, and to evaluate the degree of dependence among the variables, the coefficient of determination was used (r²). For all these tests, the significance level considered was p < 0.05. RESULTS: the platelet counts did not show difference between the two groups. However, all other platelet indices (MPV, PDW and P-LCR) were significantly higher in the PE group. The severity of the disease was documented in 91.7% of the pre-eclamptic women, despite the fact that none of the patients included had shown thrombocytopenia as a criterion of severity. Negative correlation was detected between the platelet counts and the other platelet parameters analyzed and there was positive correlation between MPV and PDW, MPV and P-LCR, and PDW and P-LCR. Positive correlation was also observed between MPV, PDW and P-LCR, and the maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressures. CONCLUSIONS: pre-eclampsia was associated with these platelet parameters, suggesting alterations of the platelet functions. The clinical applicability of these parameters, as early markers of severity of pre-eclampsia, needs more studies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(3):201-206
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000300005
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate platelet parameters in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnant women. METHODS: a controlled cross-sectional study was carried out. The medical records of the women who had delivered in the Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller-Cuiabá/MT, from January 1, 2001 to July 31, 2002, were reviewed. The pregnant women were pre-selected based on their platelet parameters analyses performed after the 28th week of gestation. Two groups of study were analyzed: PE group (36 pre-eclamptic women) and NP group (58 normal pregnant women). The platelet parameters analyzed by the automated method were: platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet - large cells ratio (P-LCR). For statistical analysis the Student t-test and the chi-square test were used to compare the groups, and to evaluate the degree of dependence among the variables, the coefficient of determination was used (r²). For all these tests, the significance level considered was p < 0.05. RESULTS: the platelet counts did not show difference between the two groups. However, all other platelet indices (MPV, PDW and P-LCR) were significantly higher in the PE group. The severity of the disease was documented in 91.7% of the pre-eclamptic women, despite the fact that none of the patients included had shown thrombocytopenia as a criterion of severity. Negative correlation was detected between the platelet counts and the other platelet parameters analyzed and there was positive correlation between MPV and PDW, MPV and P-LCR, and PDW and P-LCR. Positive correlation was also observed between MPV, PDW and P-LCR, and the maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressures. CONCLUSIONS: pre-eclampsia was associated with these platelet parameters, suggesting alterations of the platelet functions. The clinical applicability of these parameters, as early markers of severity of pre-eclampsia, needs more studies.