Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia in the Fetus and Newborn

Host: Lee P. Shulman, MD, FACMG, FACOG
Guest: James B. Bussel, MD
This program is no longer available for credit. Program Chairman:Roberto Romero, MD, DMedSciChief, Perinatology Research BranchDivision of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and ObstetricsDivision of Intramural ResearchNICHD/NIH/DHHSEditor-in-Chief for ObstetricsThe American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology As the platelet equivalent of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is an uncommon yet complex and life-threatening bleeding disorder that results from incompatibility between mother and baby for platelet-specific antigens. Despite relatively normal platelet function, in the setting of severe thrombocytopenia, intracranial hemorrhage is a consequence. Drs. Shulman and Bussel discuss advances in management strategies and concrete steps you can take to lower the risk and stop the progression of this disorder in your patients.