Immune thrombocytopenia and pregnancy: challenges and opportunities in diagnosis and management

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) affecting pregnancy is a diagnostic and often a therapeutic challenge.

We review the current diagnostic criteria for ITP in pregnancy and the potential utility of laboratory tests. We discuss the impact of ITP on pregnancy outcomes and the effects of pregnancy on patients living with chronic ITP.  We describe the criteria for intervention, the evidence supporting first-line treatment approaches and the therapeutic decisions and challenges in cases refractory to steroids and IVIG. We review the evidence supporting the potential use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists for refractory thrombocytopenia. Finally, we describe the diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment approaches to neonatal ITP and considerations regarding breastfeeding. We searched the terms 'immune thrombocytopenia' and 'pregnancy' on PubMed to identify the relevant literature published before 31 December 2023, including within cited references.

Decreased platelet production may play a role in pregnancy-related ITP exacerbation. Putative mechanisms include placental hormones, such as inhibin. Although IVIG and prednisone usually suffice to achieve hemostasis for delivery, second-line agents are sometimes required to allow for neuraxial anesthesia. There is growing evidence supporting the use of romiplostim during pregnancy; however, its risk of venous thromboembolism warrants further evaluation.