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

Overview

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.