Pseudothrombocytopenia in obstetric patients: Case reports

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is defined as platelet count of less than 150x10 3/uL. During pregnancy, haemodilution and increased aggregation lead to physiological thrombocytopenia and it has no harmful effects on pregnancy. Pseudothrombocytopenia is defined as in vitro platelet clumping that results falsely low platelet counting by automated cell counters. Before diagnosis, we should exclude probable severe pregnancy-induced diseases leading to thrombocytopenia during pregnancy such as preeclampsia, gestational thrombocytopenia. It is important to avoid unnecessary intervention and treatment. Herein, we report three cases with profound artifactual thrombocytopenia during pregnancy.