Abstract:

Purpose: The iam of this study was retrospectively evaluate maternal platelet count fluctuation during pregnancy and puerperium and its correlation with the newborn’s platelet levels. Method: A group of 36 patients who have been referred to a haematology-clinic for gestational thrombocytopenia (GT) and who delivered at the same hospital during a period of 4 years, from January 2006 to December2009 were included in the study. Mothers and their related foetuses- newborns were evaluated retrospectively for symptoms and/or signs of external and internal haemorrhage throughout pregnancy and early puerperium, even in relationship with mode of delivery (caesarean section versus spontaneous vaginal delivery). Results: All observed cases of GT have an uncomplicated course with no related perinatal and maternal morbidity even in patients with initial platelet count < 75.000/ml independently from the route of delivery. Conclusion: In case of gestational thrombocytopenia a complete normalization of maternal platelet count should be expected during the postpartum period, even if a diagnosis of a concomitant incidental neonatal thrombocytopenia cannot be excluded.No intervention, such as a foetal platelet count or caesarean section, is necessary.

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