Severe Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy Secondary to Influenza A.

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in pregnancy, with the majority due to gestational thrombocytopenia. Gestational thrombocytopenia is an innocuous condition that rarely requires treatment. Immune thrombocytopenia accounts for only a minority of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy and can have serious implications, especially in the peripartum period, including restrictions on birth plans and complications such as postpartum haemorrhage and neonatal thrombocytopenia. We present a case of possible immune thrombocytopenia secondary to influenza A infection. The case involves a 19-year-old, gravida-2, para-1, who developed severe thrombocytopenia shortly after influenza A, with a nadir platelet count of 31 × 10⁹/L. The platelet count returned to normal levels after six days of oral prednisolone 25 mg. This case highlights the importance of a thorough workup to identify more serious conditions causing thrombocytopenia.