Table 2

Differential diagnosis of gestational thrombocytopenia versus ITP

CharacteristicGestational thrombocytopeniaITP
Onset during pregnancy Mid-late second trimester and third trimester Anytime 
 Frequency increases as term approaches  
Evidence for alternative etiologies No No 
Platelet count, × 109/L > 50* Any < 100 
 Progressively decreases as term approaches  
Thrombocytopenia outside of pregnancy No Possible 
Neonatal thrombocytopenia No Possible† 
Postpartum resolution Yes Possible 
CharacteristicGestational thrombocytopeniaITP
Onset during pregnancy Mid-late second trimester and third trimester Anytime 
 Frequency increases as term approaches  
Evidence for alternative etiologies No No 
Platelet count, × 109/L > 50* Any < 100 
 Progressively decreases as term approaches  
Thrombocytopenia outside of pregnancy No Possible 
Neonatal thrombocytopenia No Possible† 
Postpartum resolution Yes Possible 
*

Rare cases have been reported with platelet counts at term 40-50 × 109/L.

†

A total of 10% of infants have platelet counts < 50 × 109/L.

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