Patients with essential thrombocytosis during pregnancy: Challenges and therapeutic dilemmas

Treatment of patients with essential thrombocytosis during pregnancy is challenging and young women are reported to be at increased risk of first trimester abortions and other pregnancy complications. In literature, there are case reports and small case series where the treatment approach differs and the results are conflicting. The addition of low dose aspirin seems to be beneficial in most cases improving pregnancy outcome whereas interferon-a is the cytoreductive drug of choice when platelet control is needed during pregnancy. Anticoagulation with low-molecular weight heparin is not generally recommended and should be considered during the last few weeks of pregnancy and postpartum.