Question

Treatment of neonatal autoimmune thrombocytopenia:

1. in a patient whose mother was dx with ITP

2. in a patient whose mother did not have ITP (also known as neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia or NAIT)

Answer 1

Neonatal autoimmune thrombocytopenia can be treated with immunoglobulins or steroids, while neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia may require platelet transfusions. Preventative treatment for Rh incompatibility involves administering Rho(D) immune globulin to the Rh-negative mother during and after her pregnancy to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Step-by-step explanation:

Treatment of Neonatal Autoimmune and Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia

In cases of neonatal autoimmune thrombocytopenia associated with a mother diagnosed with ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura), treatment typically involves managing the baby's symptoms, possibly including the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or steroids to boost the platelet count.

For neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT), where the mother does not have ITP but develops antibodies against fetal platelets, treatment might also include IVIG or platelet transfusions. The preventive intervention for cases associated with Rh factor incompatibility between an Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive fetus (which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn) includes the administration of Rho(D) immune globulin during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth to prevent the mother's immune system from becoming sensitized to the Rh antigen.

This treatment is crucial as it prevents the destruction of fetal red blood cells, minimizing the risk of HDN in current and future pregnancies.