title: SLE-associated thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: successful outcome with combined IgG infusion and platelet transfusion.
abstract: Autoimmune thrombocytopenia presents special problems during pregnancy because of the limited therapeutic options and the risks posed by even moderate degrees of thrombocytopenia. Although corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin G (IV IgG) have been shown to be useful and relatively safe therapies, they are not always effective. We describe a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed severe thrombocytopenia unresponsive to prednisone and IV IgG. The combination of IV IgG and platelet transfusion immediately before delivery resulted in a rapid rise in platelet count and allowed a lower segment caesarean section to be undertaken without perioperative complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: C Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000628:therapy*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G