Maternal platelet count at delivery in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, not related to perioperative complications.

BACKGROUND

The relationship between maternal platelet count at the time of cesarean section and perioperative and postpartum operative complications was examined.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of 46 pregnancies in 41 women with histories of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was performed. Thirty-five patients had platelet counts greater than 100,000 before delivery and 11 had counts less than 100,000. Statistical comparisons were made using Student's t test and chi-square test.

RESULTS

The perioperative and postpartum course for patients in the two groups differed significantly only in platelet counts at delivery. Change in hematocrit (from admission to postpartum), estimated blood loss at cesarean section, incidence of wound complications or transfusion, were not significantly different. There were no neonatal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild thrombocytopenia in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is unlikely to be associated with an increase in blood loss, infection, wound complication, or need for transfusion.