Outcome of pregnancy in women with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

The obstetric management and haematological problems in 28 pregnancies of 2 3 mothers with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are analyzed. Ther e was no maternal death and only 1 stillbirth occurred in the series. Ten i nfants were born by Caesarean section and 18 were delivered vaginally. Neon atal cord blood platelet counts showed thrombocytopenia in 12 infants, but in only 4 (14.3%) was the cord blood platelet count <50 x 10(9)/L. None of the 27 liveborn infants died, although 4 required supportive treatment with corticosteroids and IgG. No maternal characteristics could be used to pred ict the neonatal platelet count. These results are comparable with other st udies reported in the literature. The rarity of poor neonatal outcome in mo thers with ITP does not justify obstetric intervention solely on the basis of their platelet counts. The management of patients should be individualiz ed and carefully planned.