Fetal thrombocytopenia.
Fetal thrombocytopenia is most often caused by maternal alloantibodies against fetal platelets crossing the placenta and resulting in platelet destruction. This condition, known as fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, is usually detected after the birth of a symptomatic child who shows signs of bleeding in the skin or in the brain. In the most severe cases, intracranial hemorrhage leads to severe handicap or death. The challenge for the clinician is to provide preventive treatment in the next pregnancy. The current cornerstone of this treatment is maternal intravenous administration of immunoglobulins during the second half of pregnancy.
Porcelijn
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Department of Immunohaematology Diagnostic Services, Sanquin Diagnostic Services (CLB), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Van den Akker
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ES
Oepkes
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D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet / Q000235:genetics; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015994:Incidence; D010322:Parvoviridae Infections / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet; D001323:Autoantibodies; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System