Objectives: In the past essential thrombocythemia was considered a disease of the elderly. At present, the number of young people suffering from this disease is growing, with a slightly higher frequency in females. We investigated the effects of interferon alfa therapy in these patients.
Study design: We describe 9 pregnancies in 4 women affected by essential thrombocythemia.
Results: Four pregnancies were carried out without interferon alfa therapy, and resulted in 2 intrauterine deaths, 1 spontaneous abortion, and 1 neonatal death. Interferon alfa was given during another 5 pregnancies; among them, 2 ended in preterm deliveries with normal infants, and 3 in full-term deliveries. The literature is reviewed.
Conclusion: Our cases and published series suggest that fetal outcome is improved by therapy, and that interferon alfa may be the best therapeutic option.