Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a management algorithm based on risk stratification

Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Nov;118(5):1157-1163. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31823403f4.

Abstract

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia constitutes the most common cause of severe thrombocytopenia in fetuses and neonates and of intracranial hemorrhage among term newborns. The cornerstone of therapy involves the use of steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. Despite the risk of potentially devastating consequences to the fetus, fetal blood sampling has typically been used to document response to therapy. We propose a therapeutic algorithm based on risk stratification with individualized treatment optimization without the use of fetal blood sampling.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Blood Specimen Collection
  • Contraindications
  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / etiology
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages / prevention & control
  • Peripartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune / therapy*