DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i05.007

Pages: 1706-1710

Background: Thrombocytopenia is the most common hematological condition occurring during pregnancy and affects 7– 8 % of all pregnant women. Pre-eclampsia, the commonest of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy presents with thrombocytopenia and adds significantly to the maternal morbidity and mortality rates. Thus making platelet count estimation an important investigation to be done in pregnant women. Aim and objectives: To study the relationship between thrombocytopenia in pregnancy associated with various causes and its effects on fetal and maternal outcomes. Material and Methods: Two years prospective study, carried out in Pathology Department of a tertiary care hospital from June 2016 to May 2018. Material for the present study comprised of 275 cases blood samples obtained from thrombocytopenic pregnant women in third trimester. Platelet count was estimated on 5 Part Automated Hematology Analyzer Sysmex XT- 1800i and was counter checked by preparing a peripheral smear. Result: The most common cause of thrombocytopenia was gestational thrombocytopenia, 178/275 (64.73%) patients followed by pre-eclampsia and eclampsia -66 cases (24%) and HELLP syndrome 19 cases (6.92%). Maternal mortality was 3/275(1.09%). Out of 4 cases of DIC, 3/4(75%) had severe thrombocytopenia. Two cases of DIC died before delivery and other 2/4 cases had intrauterine fetal deaths. 40/275 thrombocytopenic mothers (14.54%) had intra uterine fetal deaths out of which 16 cases (40%) had severe thrombocytopenia in mother. Out of 235 babies born in this study, one early neonatal death was reported. Conclusion: Serial estimation of platelet count can help to assess the severity of disease causing maternal thrombocytopenia and can reduce both the maternal and fetal complications if detected and treated early in the course of the illness.