Plateletpheresis for treating essential thrombocythemia that developed during pregnancy: A case report.

OBJECTIVE

Essential thrombocythemia (ET), a life-threatening disease, is associated with increased risks of hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications. In particular, ET during pregnancy is rare and associated with an increased risk of obstetric complications. Drug therapies are frequently administered for managing pregnant women with ET, and plateletpheresis is considered to reduce platelet (PLT) counts rapidly.

CASE REPORT: A 28-year-old pregnant woman was referred to our hospital at 37 + 0/7 gestational weeks (GWs) due to severe thrombocythemia. She underwent plateletpheresis at 37 + 4/7 GWs because thrombocythemia was exacerbated. She delivered vaginally at 38 + 0/7 GWs without hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications. She was diagnosed with ET based on a bone marrow biopsy, and ET gradually improved with medication. Thus, she and her baby were discharged without complications.

CONCLUSION

Plateletpheresis is useful for preventing hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications at delivery in pregnant women with ET and severe thrombocythemia during the antepartum period.