摘要
In the past essential thrombocythemia was considered a disease of the elderly. At present, the number of young people suffering from this disease is growing, with a slightly higher frequency in females. We investigated the effects of interferon alfa therapy in these patients. We describe 9 pregnancies in 4 women affected by essential thrombocythemia. Four pregnancies were carried out without interferon alfa therapy, and resulted in 2 intrauterine deaths, 1 spontaneous abortion, and 1 neonatal death. Interferon alfa was given during another 5 pregnancies; among them, 2 ended in preterm deliveries with normal infants, and 3 in full- term deliveries. The literature is reviewed. Our cases and published series suggest that fetal outcome is improved by therapy, and that interferon alfa may be the best therapeutic option.
In the past essential thrombocythemia was considered a disease of the elderly. At present, the number of young people suffering from this disease is growing, with a slightly higher frequency in females. We investigated the effects of interferon alfa therapy in these patients. We describe 9 pregnancies in 4 women affected by essential thrombocythemia. Four pregnancies were carried out without interferon alfa therapy, and resulted in 2 intrauterine deaths, 1 spontaneous abortion, and 1 neonatal death. Interferon alfa was given during another 5 pregnancies; among them, 2 ended in preterm deliveries with normal infants, and 3 in full- term deliveries. The literature is reviewed. Our cases and published series suggest that fetal outcome is improved by therapy, and that interferon alfa may be the best therapeutic option.
