Becoming a mother is a profound journey, marked by anticipation and joy. However, for women diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), this journey may entail additional complexities.
Essential Thrombocythemia is a rare blood disorder characterized by an excess of platelets produced by abnormal stem cells in the bone marrow. These platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting. While it is more prevalent in women, the average age of presentation is around 60 years old, making it an uncommon condition in younger patients.
Fortis Hospital Mulund recently assisted a 31-year-old woman, Sarika (name changed), in achieving a successful pregnancy after her Essential Thrombocythemia had been stabilized through treatment. Despite experiencing two previous miscarriages, Sarika remained determined to pursue motherhood when her health improved.
Women with Essential Thrombocythemia should undergo comprehensive evaluation by both Obstetricians and Hematologists when planning a pregnancy. This collaborative approach ensures optimal management of both the condition and the pregnancy.
Sarika’s assessment revealed an additional complication: protein S deficiency, which heightened her risk of blood clots and miscarriages. Consequently, constant monitoring and management were essential throughout her pregnancy. In addition to her prescribed treatment for Essential Thrombocythemia, Sarika received injections to support fetal blood supply and medication to prevent cardiovascular complications, strokes, and maintain overall health and fertility.
Pregnancy with Essential Thrombocythemia poses maternal and fetal risks, including a 43% chance of first-trimester miscarriage and potential complications such as growth restriction, stillbirth, placental abruption, and pre-eclampsia. Treatment with interferon therapy, while necessary, can also lead to side effects such as high-grade fever.
Throughout Sarika’s pregnancy, her platelet levels were closely monitored and managed with interferon therapy, alongside injections to control blood clotting. At 20 weeks, she developed Oligohydramnios, a condition characterized by low amniotic fluid, requiring careful monitoring and treatment. Subsequently, she developed Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, a liver condition that was diligently managed to ensure a full-term delivery.
Sarika’s journey underscores the importance of meticulous medical attention and monitoring in managing a high-risk pregnancy complicated by Essential Thrombocythemia and Protein S Deficiency. Her successful pregnancy exemplifies the effectiveness of a coordinated treatment plan and vigilant prenatal care.
Her story serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the profound impact of specialized medical care. It demonstrates that with proper management and attentive monitoring, navigating Essential Thrombocythemia during pregnancy is feasible. Sarika’s journey inspires others facing similar challenges, illustrating that with determination and guidance from healthcare professionals, the goal of a healthy baby can be achieved.
