Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: Insights from an Uncommon Case Presentation and Mini-Review

Thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count below 150 × 10⁹/L, is the second most common hematological abnormality after anemia found among European women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Most of the cases are mild, asymptomatic, and diagnosed accidentally. The primary causes of thrombocytopenia are linked to the pregnancy itself and include gestational thrombocytopenia (GT), autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome-associated thrombocytopenia. First-line therapies for ITP include corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). We came across a case of severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count of 9 × 10⁹/L) associated with severe anemia (Hb 5.9 g/dL) at 30 weeks of gestation, with no personal or family history of bleeding disorders. A comprehensive hematologic, infectious, and rheumatological workup was performed to narrow the diagnosis. Despite aggressive corticosteroid therapy and immunoglobulin treatment, the patient's thrombocytopenia persisted, imposing delivery at 34 weeks. This article highlights the complex presentation and management of severe thrombocytopenia and anemia during pregnancy.