Essential thrombocythemia and pregnancy

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is an acquired myeloproliferative neoplasm, characterised by persistent thrombocytosis and a tendency for either thrombosis or haemorrhage. Among myeloproliferative neoplasms, ET is the most prevalent in young women, which constitute a special group due to their childbearing potential. An increased risk of fetal and maternal complications has been demonstrated in patients with Er. The most common pregnancy-related complication is spontaneous abortion during the first trimester. Recurrent abortion, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth and placental abruption are less frequent. Maternal complications are relatively rare and essentially represented by thromboembolic and bleeding events. Here we summarize the literature describing pregnancy and its outcome in patients with Er and discuss some recommendations for the management of pregnancy. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.