[Gammaglobulin for idiopathic thrombocytopenia in pregnancy]

The association of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and pregnancy is of special therapeutic significance because it increases the risk to mother and infant during labor. The specific antiplatelet immunoglobulin G (IgG) crosses the placenta and induces thrombocytopenia in the fetus. Intravenous IgG is a new treatment associated with a relatively rapid increase in platelet count. Although this increase is transient, usually lasting only several weeks, the treatment can be repeated a number of times during pregnancy. Knowing the kinetics of platelet response to treatment in the specific patient, it is usually possible to treat so as to maintain a safe platelet count during labor.