Publications

Thrombocytopenia is a common problem during pregnancy that is frequently not detected, and it is ofteninappropriately managed. The obvious concern with thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is the risk of excessivebleeding during delivery. So the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors ofthrombocytopenia in pregnant women reporting at Hoima Regional referral hospital by using the laboratoryparameters of complete blood count. It was a prospective descriptive study conducted for a period of 2 months from1st September 2022 to 31st October 2022. All patients whose blood works results were available and who consentedwere included in our study. Of the 220 cases of pregnant mothers who presented to the antenatal and Obstetricsdepartment at Hoima Regional referral hospital, 78(35.5) % were thrombocytopenic, 74.4% (Mildthrombocytopenia), 15.4% (Moderate) and 10.2% (severe). 3(3.85%) had petechia. 9(12%) were below 20 weeks ofgestation. 11(14%) were between 20-28 weeks of gestation, 25(32.1%) between 29-36 weeks, 33(42.1%) were 37weeks and above. 4(5.13%) had pre-eclampsia, 2(2.7%) had eclampsia, 2(2.7%) had pre/eclampsia with HELLPsyndrome, 2(2.7%) had ITP. 6.8% had one or a combination of other conditions like malaria, DIC, and PPH.19(24.3%) were anemic with a low hemoglobin as well and 7(8.97%) had pallor and 6(7.7%) with a low MCV,13(16.7%) with a low MCH. 5(6.4%) had splenomegaly, 3(3.84%)had hepatomegaly. 26(33.3%) from rural areas.52(66.7) from urban Centre, 50(64.1%) were HIV negative, 28(35.9%) were HIV positive status. 2(2.6%) had elevatedcreatinine, 1(1.3%) elevated urea. 46(58%) had normal liver enzymes with 6(7.7%) elevated ALT and 8(10.3%)elevated AST. 32(41.2%) were not reported. The frequency of thrombocytopenia in this study was higher than thatreported in developed parts of the world. This could probably be due to undetected malaria infection in our patients.The most common risk factors for thrombocytopenia in pregnancy at Hoima regional referral hospital werehypertensive disorders; pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, pre/eclampsia with/without HELLP syndrome followed byfactors like malaria, consumption thrombocytopenia (PPH), DIC and Immuno-thrombocytopenia (ITP).