Systemic lupus erythematosus, repeated abortions, and thrombocytopenia

Abstract

A case is described of severe thrombocytopenia in a pregnant patient with mild SLE. Three previous pregnancies had ended in abortion. Attempts to reverse the thrombocytopenia with steroids, plasmapheresis, and splenectomy failed, the platelet count returning to normal immediately after the death of the fetus at 20 weeks gestation.