Thrombocytopenic purpura in pregnancy is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's own antibodies destroy blood platelets. This disease can be serious, especially if it is not well followed and treated, because the antibodies of the mother can pass to the fetus.
The treatment of this disease can be done with corticoids and gammaglobulins and, in more severe cases, a transfusion of platelets or even the removal of the spleen may be necessary. Learn more about thrombocytopenic purpura.
What are the risks
Women who suffer from thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy may be at risk during delivery. In some cases, bleeding of the baby may occur during labor and can cause injury or even death of the baby, as the antibodies of the mother when passing to the baby may lead to a decrease in the number of platelets during the baby. pregnancy or immediately after birth.
How is the diagnosis made?
By performing an umbilical cord blood test, even during pregnancy, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of antibodies and to detect the number of fetal platelets in order to prevent these complications.
If the antibodies have reached the fetus, a cesarean section may be performed at the indication of the obstetrician to prevent problems during delivery, such as a cerebral hemorrhage in the newborn, for example.
What is the treatment
Treatment for purpura in pregnancy can be done with corticosteroids and gamma globulins to improve the blood clotting of the pregnant woman temporarily, avoiding bleeding and allowing labor to be safely induced without uncontrollable bleeding.
In situations of greater severity, a transfusion of platelets and even removal of the spleen may be done to prevent further destruction of the platelets.
