Question

Maternal history of ITP or other autoimmune disorder should raise concern for neonatal ITP, whereas a history of prior neonatal thrombocytopenia and no maternal history of autoimmunity should raise concern for

a) Neonatal asthma
b) Neonatal sepsis
c) Neonatal leukemia
d) Neonatal congenital heart defects

Answer 1

Concern for neonatal ITP should arise with a maternal history of autoimmune disorders, while concern for neonatal sepsis should arise with a history of neonatal thrombocytopenia without maternal autoimmunity.

Step-by-step explanation:

A maternal history of ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) or other autoimmune disorders should indeed raise concern for neonatal ITP (thrombocytopenia in a newborn). In cases where there is a history of prior neonatal thrombocytopenia and no maternal history of autoimmunity, it's important to consider other potential ailments. The correct answer for this situation should be concern for (b) neonatal sepsis, which can be a cause of thrombocytopenia in neonates without a maternal history of autoimmune disorders.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), also known as erythroblastosis fetalis, is a type II hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when maternal anti-Rh antibodies cross the placenta and target fetal Rh+ red blood cells for destruction, potentially leading to anemia, brain damage, or even fetal/newborn death. HDN can be prevented through the administration of Rho(D) immune globulin to Rh- mothers carrying Rh+ fetuses.

In contrast to other blood group antibodies, Rh factor antibodies are produced generally only in Rh- individuals after exposure to Rh+ red blood cells, often occurring during or after birth, which is why HDN is typically a concern in second or subsequent pregnancies with an Rh+ baby.