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Routine maternal platelet count: an assessment of a technologically driven screening practice
D J Rouse1, J Owen, R L Goldenberg
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 3, 1998
Summary
Screening pregnant women for low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) is not beneficial and may cause harm. Current practices fail to meet established criteria for effective screening programs and should be stopped.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Automated blood cell counters frequently provide platelet counts alongside hemoglobin or hematocrit measurements.
- This has led to widespread screening of asymptomatic pregnant women for thrombocytopenia.
- Established criteria exist for evaluating the effectiveness of medical screening programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the de facto screening of asymptomatic pregnant patients for thrombocytopenia.
- To assess this screening against well-defined criteria for successful public health programs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of current screening practices for thrombocytopenia in pregnancy.
- Comparison of these practices against established criteria for screening programs.
Main Results:
- The screening of pregnant women for thrombocytopenia does not meet established criteria for effective screening.
- Current screening practices may pose risks to both the pregnant women and their fetuses due to potential invasive procedures.
Conclusions:
- Screening for thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is not supported by evidence and may be harmful.
- Discontinuation of this screening practice is recommended.