Prevalence of Thrombocytopenia Among Pregnant Women in Tripoli Region /Libya

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and the commonest degree of thrombocytopenia among pregnant women in Tripoli region, Libya. This is cross section study included pregnant women who were admitted to obstetrical ward department of obstetrics and gynecology in Al-gala Hospital, Tripoli, Libya. This study was carried out over a period of 5 month from February 2009 to June 2009 on 3520 pregnant women. 5 ml of venous blood specimens were take from each pregnant woman in K3 EDTA (tubes for the haematological examinations. The analysis of haematological indices was done using automated hematological analyzer. The results showed that 17% of pregnant women were thrombocytopenic. Thrombocytopenia increased with increase of age pregnant women. 81% of patients had mild thrombocytopenia and 19% of patients had moderate thrombocytopenia were found in this study when compared with control group. The incidence of mild thrombocytopenia was 42.5% in age group (30 -39) Followed by 37.8% in age group (20-29). The prevalence of thrombocytopenia increased with increase of the gestational age to reach maximum at the third trimester of gestation. Association of onset of thrombocytopenia disorder with age distribution of patients in age group 20-29 years old were 2.7% during first trimester, 17.8% during second trimester and 79.5% during third trimester. In age group 30 – 39 years old were 3.2% during first trimester, 10.8% during second trimester and 86% during third trimester. In age group 40-49 years old were 46.7% during second trimester and 53.3 during third trimester. 37% of thrombocytopenic pregnant women were anaemic. Association of onset of anaemia disorder with age distribution of patients in age group 20-29 years old were 26.9% during second trimester and 73.1% during third trimester. In age group 30 – 39 years old were 14.3% during second trimester and 85.7% during third trimester. Data shows that 26% of patients had mild anaemia and 8.8% of patients had moderate anaemia and 1.8% severe anaemia cases were found in this study when compared with 62.9% non anaemic. It can be concluded that thrombocytopenia disorders in pregnancy are very common in Tripoli region. Careful surveillance is required for these pregnancies in high-risk units for early detection and treatment of possible complications, in order to try to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities. Further prospective studies among these high-risk populations with moderate to severe thrombocytopenia should investigate the efficacy of possible surveillance programs.