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Nawsherwan Mohammad: Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy – Not Always Benign
Jun 23, 2026, 10:22

Nawsherwan Mohammad: Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy – Not Always Benign

Nawsherwan Mohammad, Consultant Hematopathologist at Nanakaly Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: Not Always Benign

Thrombocytopenia affects approximately 7–10% of pregnancies and ranges from benign conditions to life-threatening disorders.

Common causes include:

  • Gestational thrombocytopenia (75%) – mild, usually >70 ×10⁹/L, asymptomatic, and resolves after delivery.
  • Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) – may occur at any stage of pregnancy and can affect both mother and fetus.
  • Preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome – associated with hypertension, hemolysis, and elevated liver enzymes; requires urgent management.
  • Less common but critical causes: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), infections, and inherited thrombocytopenias.

Key message:

A low platelet count in pregnancy should never be dismissed without clinical context.

Platelet count severity, gestational age, blood pressure, liver enzymes, hemolysis markers, and peripheral blood smear findings are essential for accurate diagnosis.

Early recognition can be lifesaving for both mother and baby.”

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