Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a common problem during pregnancy that is frequently not detected, and it is often
inappropriately managed. The obvious concern with thrombocytopenia during pregnancy is the risk of excessive
bleeding during delivery. So the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of
thrombocytopenia in pregnant women reporting at Hoima Regional referral hospital by using the laboratory
parameters of complete blood count. It was a prospective descriptive study conducted for a period of 2 months from
1st September 2022 to 31st October 2022. All patients whose blood works results were available and who consented
were included in our study. Of the 220 cases of pregnant mothers who presented to the antenatal and Obstetrics
department at Hoima Regional referral hospital, 78(35.5) % were thrombocytopenic, 74.4% (Mild
thrombocytopenia), 15.4% (Moderate) and 10.2% (severe). 3(3.85%) had petechia. 9(12%) were below 20 weeks of
gestation. 11(14%) were between 20-28 weeks of gestation, 25(32.1%) between 29-36 weeks, 33(42.1%) were 37
weeks and above. 4(5.13%) had pre-eclampsia, 2(2.7%) had eclampsia, 2(2.7%) had pre/eclampsia with HELLP
syndrome, 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 elevated
creatinine, 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 that
reported 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 were
hypertensive disorders; pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, pre/eclampsia with/without HELLP syndrome followed by
factors like malaria, consumption thrombocytopenia (PPH), DIC and Immuno-thrombocytopenia (ITP).