Navigating the Storm: Managing Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in a High-Risk Pregnancy
- PMID: 38161902
- PMCID: PMC10757751
- DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49736
Navigating the Storm: Managing Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in a High-Risk Pregnancy
Abstract
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a rare, life-threatening condition causing significant thrombocytopenia and bleeding with the risk of developing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). It results from maternal immunizations against fetal platelet antigens. Here, we report a case of a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation who presented to the hospital with a low platelet count of 90 th/mm3 and was found to have anti-human platelet antigen (HPA) 1a, 2b antibodies. She was treated with a weekly infusion of IV immunoglobulins. However, her condition was complicated by the development of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, which was treated promptly with a platelet transfusion and intravenous magnesium. Even though the child had severe thrombocytopenia and its associated complications, there were no signs of post-delivery thrombocytopenia or any other adverse effects. This case report highlights the importance of the antenatal management of the FNAIT to prevent severe fetal complications, such as ICH.
Keywords: case report; maternal alloimmunization; neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia; pregnancy; thrombocytopenia.
Copyright © 2023, Proskuriakova et al.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
References
-
- Epidemiology and management of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. de Vos TW, Winkelhorst D, de Haas M, Lopriore E, Oepkes D. Transfus Apher Sci. 2020;59:102704. - PubMed
-
- Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: current pathophysiological insights and perspectives for future diagnostics and treatment. Stam W, Wachholz GE, de Pereda JM, Kapur R, van der Schoot E, Margadant C. Blood Rev. 2023;59:101038. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources