Is Purpura common during pregnancy?
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a very rare complication of pregnancy, and occurs in 1 in 25,000 pregnancies. Majority of the cases occur in the late third trimester or during the puerperium. Only about 10% occur in the 1st trimester.
How is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated in pregnancy?
Once the platelet count is >50 000/μL, low-dose aspirin and/or thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin can be considered to reduce the risk of additional placental vascular damage, based on fetal and placental scan and overall venous thrombotic risk.
Can preeclampsia cause thrombocytopenia?
Preeclampsia causes about 20% of cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Thrombocytopenia is sometimes the only initial sign of this condition, predating all the other laboratory changes (3).
Can you have a baby with TTP?
In their literature search that included 10 additional pregnancies, 6 pregnancies were associated with recurrent episodes of TTP. Although the episodes of recurrent TTP were minimal, the frequency of poor pregnancy outcomes was increased. This included risk of preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia.
Does gestational thrombocytopenia affect the baby?
The physiological thrombocytopenia of pregnancy is mild and has no adverse effects for the mother and fetus. By contrast, a significant thrombocytopenia associated with medical conditions can have serious maternal-fetal consequences and requires specific monitoring and appropriate management.
How does low platelet count affect delivery?
This will increase the platelet levels in your blood. Depending on the severity of your low platelet count and the cause, your doctor may advise you to give birth on a labour ward. This is because both severe gestational thrombocytopenia and ITP can raise the risk of a postpartum haemorrhage.
How do you know if Purpura is serious?
The rash often becomes widespread, so for example conjunctiva can occur as well as pinpointing on the skin, and in more severe cases the mucosal surfaces may bleed. Other signs include worsening abdominal pain, increased vomiting, liver enlargement, high haematocrit with low platelet count, lethargy or restlessness.
What is Purpura caused by?
They happen when small blood vessels leak blood under your skin’s surface. Purpura isn’t a medical condition but a sign of another condition causing the bleeding. Purpura can also be caused by drug interactions, vitamin deficiencies or congenital disorders. There are many different types of purpura.
What causes low platelets in late pregnancy?
Occasionally, a very low platelet count could be a sign of a problem with your pregnancy. This could be a rare complication of pre-eclampsia in late pregnancy, called HELLP syndrome, which also causes the following symptoms: pre-eclampsia symptoms, such as high blood pressure and protein in your urine.
What is the difference between purpura and petechiae?
The most obvious difference involves size: petechiae are smaller than 2 mm, while purpura are larger. Purpura may be petechiae that have spread and joined together, forming larger areas of discoloration. Both petechiae and purpura clusters tend to have rash-like appearances.