Management of the obstetric patient with thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia that complicates pregnancy can occur secondary to known maternal disease processes or may arise again during, and as a result of, gestation. A combination of maternal history, clinical presentation, and laboratory investigation usually leads the obstetrician to the proper diagnosis of the condition and, when necessary, dictates appropriate fetal intervention. Although the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia can be a frustrating and difficult exercise, especially in an emergent intrapartum environment, clinical persistence coupled with hematology consultation when appropriate usually will reward the provider and patient with the best chance to achieve optimal maternal-fetal outcome.