Maternal Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Leading to Severe Neonatal Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Introduction: In neonatal intensive care units, neonatal thrombocytopenia is one of the common hematological abnormality seen. Neonatal autoimmune thrombocytopenia should be considered in any neonate who is born to a known case of immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) mother, with early onset thrombocytopenia without any signs of sepsis. Neonatal ITP is a condition of autoantibody mediated platelet destruction. Case details: Two neonates with thrombocytopenia, born to mothers with ITP are described in this report. Lowest platelet count noted was 7000 cells/cmm in one of the neonate. Both neonates received intra venous immunoglobulin (IVIG) while one neonate had persistent and severe thrombocytopenia requiring multiple random donor platelet (RDP) transfusions followed by oral steroid as well. Conclusion: Neonatal thrombocytopenia associated with maternal ITP need close monitoring, early sampling and diagnosis to prevent any possible complications and warrant early initiation of treatment.