Abstract
Author(s): ANDRZEJ SERAFIN, DOROTA DARMOCHWAÅ-KOLARZ, MAREK JAWORNIK
Thrombocytopenia is a complication of approximately 5-8% of pregnancy and classically is defined as a platelet count of lower than 150 x 109 /l. Gestational thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy, which accounts for three fourths of all cases. This condition essentially poses no risk to either the mother or fetus. Thrombocytopenia, however, can also be associated with several diseases such as preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which can cause serious morbidity and mortality. The challenge to the physician is to weigh the risk of maternal and fetal bleeding complications against the benefits of diagnostic tests and interventions.