Maternal thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: diagnosis and management

Clin Lab Med. 2013 Jun;33(2):327-41. doi: 10.1016/j.cll.2013.01.002. Epub 2013 Apr 19.

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication encountered in pregnancy, and can have a wide range of prognostic implications, from completely benign to life threatening. It is important for obstetricians to be aware of the various causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, and to be able to diagnose and manage these patients. This article reviews the various causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, highlights clinical and laboratory features of the most common and most severe causes, and provides an overview of management for these disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • HELLP Syndrome
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic*
  • Thrombocytopenia*