Nationwide study of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnant women and the clinical influence on neonates

Int J Hematol. 2002 May;75(4):426-33. doi: 10.1007/BF02982137.

Abstract

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) occurs more commonly in young women during the reproductive years. To obtain information for management of ITP in pregnancy, we performed a nationwide retrospective survey. Findings from a total of 284 pregnant women with ITP and their 286 newborn infants were available for analysis. The bleeding tendency at delivery was managed chiefly with corticosteroid, intravenous high-dose gamma-globulin, and platelet transfusion. Maternal complications occurred in 77 cases (27.1%) and were frequently seen in cases with poor control of ITP. Neonatal abnormalities, which were not influenced by the clinical state of the mother, occurred at a frequency of 17.8%. Thrombocytopenia in neonates occurred in 48 cases (22.4%), and bleeding tendency was found in 16 cases (6.3%) without severe bleeding. Prediction of thrombocytopenia in neonates was difficult. However, infants from splenectomized mothers with well-controlled ITP showed thrombocytopenia more frequently than those from nonsplenectomized mothers. Mothers treated with steroids at doses greater than 15 mg/day showed a high frequency of maternal complications and fetal abnormal body weight. These observations will be useful in the management of pregnant women with ITP and their infants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / epidemiology*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Data Collection
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Platelet Count
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / therapy
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / epidemiology*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones