Thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnancy. A case report

A case of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnancy is reported. An interesting facet of the treatment was the suppression of spontaneous labour while platelet concentrate was being prepared. This case clearly demonstrated that the maternal antibody titre in no way reflects the fetal status. The choice of delivery can therefor not be based upon scientific data. The possible use of the uranyl-labelled antibody method of determining antiplatelet antibodies may in future help to determine the best method of delivering these babies. A review of the literature clearly indicates that while maternal mortality has decreased, fetal loss in this condition is still significant, and that a multicentre study is needed to examine the best approach to this problem.