Simultaneous placental transfer of factors responsible for L.E. cell formation and thrombocytopenia

Abstract

A case report is presented of a pregnant adolescent with systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombocytopenia who gave birth to a premature child with thrombocytopenia and evanescent evidence of L.E. factor activity. Serologic studies disclosed the presence of platelet agglutinus in the serums both of the mother and newborn. This study demonstrates the placental transfer of humoral factors responsible for L.E. cell formation and congenital thrombocytopenia in a patient with S.L.E. The significance and implications of this chance observation are discussed.