Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a condition with potential hazard during pregnancy for both mother and fetus if platelet concentrations fall below a critical level. This report describes the use of laparoscopic splenectomy following unsuccessful medical management.
Case: A 35-year-old primigravid woman with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) developed ITP several years before becoming pregnant. She was treated early in pregnancy with high-dose oral prednisone and weekly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) alternating with anti-D immune globulin, but laparoscopic splenectomy was indicated at 20 weeks' gestation because of thrombocytopenia. Following surgery, she continued prednisone and intermittent IVIG therapy until spontaneous delivery at 34 weeks' gestation. A small accessory spleen was identified postpartum by nuclear medicine scan. Satisfactory platelet concentrations were maintained postpartum using danazol and prednisone.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy is a therapeutic option for women with ITP during pregnancy that fails to respond to medical management.