The resolution of preeclampsia-related thrombocytopenia

The average time until the resolution of thrombocytopenia, which as a part of HELLP syndrome accompanies 4–16% of cases of severe preeclampsia, has not been defined previously. We followed 25 patients with severe preeclampsia, platelet counts below 100,000/μL, and elevated liver enzymes until their platelet counts returned to levels above 100,000/μL. Among severe preeclamptics who did not receive platelet transfusions, the average time from delivery to the resolution of thrombocytopenia was 60 hours, and all had platelet counts above 100,000/μL by 95 hours. Seven patients were followed after their platelet counts exceeded 340,000/μL; all showed a rebound phenomenon, with platelet counts reaching values of 413,000–871,000/μL.