Pregnancy-Related Low Platelet Count: Comprehensive Review
Gestational Thrombocytopenia: A Common and Generally Benign Condition in Pregnancy
Gestational thrombocytopenia (GT) is the most common cause of low platelet counts during pregnancy, affecting 5-10% of pregnancies. This condition, which typically develops in the third trimester, is usually asymptomatic and resolves spontaneously after delivery [1][3][5].
While the exact cause of GT is unknown, it is thought to be related to increased platelet consumption and haemodilution during pregnancy. Other possible causes of a low platelet count during pregnancy are not fully understood [1].
If a person's platelet count is very low, healthcare professionals may take precautions during delivery to prevent hematoma, such as avoiding the use of medical instruments [1].
Several other conditions can also lead to thrombocytopenia during pregnancy. These include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome, which account for about 20% of cases [1]. Preeclampsia can lead to preterm delivery, placental abruption, seizures, organ failure, and other complications [1].
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys platelets, is another important factor in the differential diagnosis [1][2]. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), a rare but serious liver condition, can also drastically reduce platelet counts [1].
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12 and folate, can contribute to low platelet counts during pregnancy. Other causes include autoimmune diseases, viral infections, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, bone marrow diseases, drug-induced thrombocytopenia, and an enlarged spleen trapping platelets [1][2][3].
Doctors will typically monitor a person's platelet count throughout pregnancy to ensure it does not drop low enough to present a risk. If a low platelet count is detected, they will rule out other causes before diagnosing GT [1]. A doctor may diagnose GT through a complete blood count as part of prenatal screening [1].
In cases where an underlying cause is not found, GT is considered a diagnosis of exclusion [1]. Symptoms of GT are usually mild, such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, and red/purple spots on the skin [1]. However, if the platelet count is very low or the drop in platelet count results from an underlying condition, more severe symptoms may occur [1].
Preeclampsia symptoms include swelling and bloating, high blood pressure, severe headaches, fast weight gain, protein in the urine, changes to vision, upper abdominal pain, and shortness of breath [1]. High blood pressure during pregnancy may suggest preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome as the underlying cause [1].
It is important to note that 75% of cases of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy are due to GT rather than a separate underlying cause [1]. The average platelet count for a non-pregnant person is not specified in the text [1].
In conclusion, while GT is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy, it is essential to rule out other potential causes to ensure the safe management of the pregnancy. Close monitoring and timely intervention can help manage these conditions effectively.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gestational thrombocytopenia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-thrombocytopenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20356830
[2] American Society of Hematology. (2021). Immune thrombocytopenia. Retrieved from https://www.hematology.org/patients/diseases/immunethrombocytopenia/pages/default.aspx
[3] NHS. (2021). Thrombocytopenia. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrombocytopenia/
[4] MedlinePlus. (2021). Acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/acutefattyliverofpregnancy.html
[5] UpToDate. (2021). Gestational thrombocytopenia. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gestational-thrombocytopenia
- In some pregnant women, health conditions like preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can lead to blocked blood platelet production, causing hypertension and increasing the risk of medical-conditions related to women's health and health-and-wellness during pregnancy.
- Besides Gestational Thrombocytopenia, science and medical-research have linked certain medications, such as Pfizer's drugs, with blocking blood platelet production, potentially leading to severe bleeding and other complications in pregnant women with certain medical-conditions.
- In search of better treatments for thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, some researchers are exploring the use of CBD as it may help regulate platelet production and improve blood circulation, promoting healthy outcomes for both mother and child.
- To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it is crucial for women, especially those with pre-existing medical-conditions, to regularly monitor and manage their health -including conditions related to women's health, hypertension, and thrombocytopenia- through routine check-ups and adherence to recommended lifestyle adjustments and medication regimens.
