title: Taking a wider view on fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
abstract: In fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), platelets are destroyed by maternal antibodies directed against fetal/neonate antigens. Thrombocytopenia can be severe and lead to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in about 10% of cases. Although three types of antigen groups, presented on platelets [ABO blood group antigens, human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and human platelet antigens (HPA)] are known to be implicated in immune platelet destruction, antibodies against HPA are most commonly involved in FNAIT and hence are the target of extensive research. Awareness of FNAIT by physicians as well as the availability of the most sensitive diagnostic methods capable of detecting a wide range of antibodies are crucial for the diagnosis of FNAIT and the prevention of severe thrombocytopenia and its bleeding risks in subsequent pregnancies.
authors.affiliation: Blood Bank and Platelet Immunology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel. Electronic address: l_bonstein@rambam.health.gov.il.
authors.forename: Lilach
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bonstein
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology and BMT, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Nuhad
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haddad
mesh_terms: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D054098:Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000906:Antibodies; D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet; D006680:HLA Antigens
keywords: Anti-platelet antibodies; Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT); Human leukocyte antigens (HLA); Human platelet antigens (HPA)