Cesarean section combined with splenectomy in a parturient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

The case of a 25-year-old parturient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura i s discussed. The patient was first seen at 20 weeks' gestation because of a history of thrombocytopenia after delivery of a child six years previously . The patient was not compliant with prednisone therapy or return follow-up visits; a combined cesarean section with splenectomy was planned for this patient. The report discusses the multidisciplinary management of this pati ent during her pregnancy and delivery. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc.