Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a continuing challenge.
Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is the platelet counterpart of the red cell disorder, haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Unlike Rhesus pregnancies, first pregnancy is commonly affected. It is a progressive disease and can cause severe fetal damage, late fetal and neonatal loss and severe handicap. No screening programme is currently available and the diagnosis is often delayed. Testing for platelet antibodies in those mothers whose babies are thrombocytopaenic is necessary for early detection of this condition.
Meskhi
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK.
Babiker
S
S
Slade
R J
RJ