Neonatal Platelet Count Research Articles

Neonates born to mothers with immune thrombocytopenia: 11 years experience of a single academic center.

: A major problem associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in pregnancy is neonatal thrombocytopenia. We analyzed newborns born to mothers with ITP and examined predictive factors for thrombocytopenia. This retrospective study was performed in a single academic center from January 2007 to January 2018. Pregnant women with ITP and their babies are included. All neonates had a complete blood count and cranial ultrasound (USG) performed. Twenty seven neonates of 22 mothers were evaluated. A total of 23 (85%) of neonates were thrombocytopenic (<150 × 10/l) and in 20 (74%) platelet count was below 50 × 10/l. Median platelet count was 30 (4-300) × 10/l. One baby experienced intracranial hemorrhage, eight (29.6%) had minor bleeding. When babies with and without minor bleeding were compared; no significant difference was found regarding maternal age, duration of ITP, lowest and 'before delivery' platelet count, treatment during pregnancy and splenectomy. Cutoff value of platelet count for bleeding was calculated as 27 × 10/l with a sensitivity of 0.88 and specifity of 0.79. Strong correlation for postnatal thrombocytopenia was detected among siblings. Although the incidence of neonatal thrombocytopenia might be high, the incidence of poor neonatal outcomes is extremely low. Neonatal thrombocytopenia does not rely on maternal profile. The occurrence of neonatal thrombocytopenia and bleeding may be a risk factor for subsequent pregnancies. We suggest that the cutoff value for neonatal platelet count for bleeding can be used for management and treatment of neonates born to mothers with ITP.

Effect of Conventional Phototherapy on platelet count in full term and Preterm Neonates with Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia - A Prospective Cohort Study

Effect of Conventional Phototherapy on platelet count in full term and Preterm Neonates with Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia - A Prospective Cohort Study

Immunohistochemical study of endometrial immune cells in patients with chronic endometritis with recurrent miscarriage

Anti-HLA class I antibodies have been suggested as a possible cause of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). The aim of this study was to characterize maternal anti-HLA class I alloantibodies in suspected cases of FNAIT.The study population consisted of all nationwide referrals of neonates with suspected FNAIT to the National Unit for Platelet Immunology in Tromsø, Norway, during 1998–2009 (cases), and 250 unselected pregnancies originally included in a prospective study (controls). Inclusion criterion was a positive screening for maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies. Neonates with other identifiable causes of thrombocytopenia, including maternal anti-human platelet antigens (HPA) antibodies, were excluded. Ultimately, 50 cases with suspected FNAIT were compared with 60 controls.The median neonatal platelet count nadir among cases was 24 × 109/L (range 4–98 × 109/L). Five children (10%) were reported to have intracranial hemorrhage. Maternal and neonatal HLA class I genotype was available for 33 mother/child pairs (66%). Immunization was not tied to any particular HLA class I antigen. Using epitope mapping, we could demonstrate that the maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies were specific towards mismatched paternally-inherited fetal epitopes, with little reactivity towards any third-party epitopes. Antibody reactivity patterns were similar to those found among controls, although the mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) among cases were significantly higher.This study demonstrates the value of using data on HLA epitope expression, instead of HLA antigens, to examine alloimmune responses in connection with neonatal thrombocytopenia. Our findings support the idea that maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies are involved in FNAIT.

Reproductive cycle-dependent expression of MHC and TCR in vaginal fluid and cells

Anti-HLA class I antibodies have been suggested as a possible cause of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). The aim of this study was to characterize maternal anti-HLA class I alloantibodies in suspected cases of FNAIT.The study population consisted of all nationwide referrals of neonates with suspected FNAIT to the National Unit for Platelet Immunology in Tromsø, Norway, during 1998–2009 (cases), and 250 unselected pregnancies originally included in a prospective study (controls). Inclusion criterion was a positive screening for maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies. Neonates with other identifiable causes of thrombocytopenia, including maternal anti-human platelet antigens (HPA) antibodies, were excluded. Ultimately, 50 cases with suspected FNAIT were compared with 60 controls.The median neonatal platelet count nadir among cases was 24 × 109/L (range 4–98 × 109/L). Five children (10%) were reported to have intracranial hemorrhage. Maternal and neonatal HLA class I genotype was available for 33 mother/child pairs (66%). Immunization was not tied to any particular HLA class I antigen. Using epitope mapping, we could demonstrate that the maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies were specific towards mismatched paternally-inherited fetal epitopes, with little reactivity towards any third-party epitopes. Antibody reactivity patterns were similar to those found among controls, although the mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) among cases were significantly higher.This study demonstrates the value of using data on HLA epitope expression, instead of HLA antigens, to examine alloimmune responses in connection with neonatal thrombocytopenia. Our findings support the idea that maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies are involved in FNAIT.

Unraveling the role of maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies in fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia—Antibody specificity analysis using epitope data

Anti-HLA class I antibodies have been suggested as a possible cause of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). The aim of this study was to characterize maternal anti-HLA class I alloantibodies in suspected cases of FNAIT.The study population consisted of all nationwide referrals of neonates with suspected FNAIT to the National Unit for Platelet Immunology in Tromsø, Norway, during 1998–2009 (cases), and 250 unselected pregnancies originally included in a prospective study (controls). Inclusion criterion was a positive screening for maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies. Neonates with other identifiable causes of thrombocytopenia, including maternal anti-human platelet antigens (HPA) antibodies, were excluded. Ultimately, 50 cases with suspected FNAIT were compared with 60 controls.The median neonatal platelet count nadir among cases was 24×109/L (range 4–98×109/L). Five children (10%) were reported to have intracranial hemorrhage. Maternal and neonatal HLA class I genotype was available for 33 mother/child pairs (66%). Immunization was not tied to any particular HLA class I antigen. Using epitope mapping, we could demonstrate that the maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies were specific towards mismatched paternally-inherited fetal epitopes, with little reactivity towards any third-party epitopes. Antibody reactivity patterns were similar to those found among controls, although the mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) among cases were significantly higher.This study demonstrates the value of using data on HLA epitope expression, instead of HLA antigens, to examine alloimmune responses in connection with neonatal thrombocytopenia. Our findings support the idea that maternal anti-HLA class I antibodies are involved in FNAIT.

Effects of maternal hypertension on the neonatal haemogram in southern Nigeria: A case-control study.

Hypertension in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare the hematological parameters in neonates of hypertensive mothers with those of normotensive mothers, and also to compare the incidence of polycythaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in both groups. This was a hospital-based case control study. Three milliliters of cord blood from neonates of women with hypertension in pregnancy and those of normotensive pregnant women were sampled for haemogram parameters using a 3-part autoanalyser. Haematocrit and white blood cell differentials were done manually. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16. A total of 200 neonates were recruited, comprising 100 neonates of mothers with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and 100 neonates of normotensive mothers. The mean haematocrit was significantly higher in neonates of hypertensive mothers than those of normotensive mothers. The neutrophil and platelet counts of neonates of hypertensive mothers were significantly lower than those of normotensive mothers. The incidences of polycythaemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were found to be 8%, 15%, and 38% among neonates of hypertensive mothers and 0%, 2%, and 8% among neonates of normotensive mothers, respectively. These incidences were significantly different between the groups. There was a positive association between hypertension in pregnancy and neonatal polycythaemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Haematological parameters of neonates of mothers with hypertension in pregnancy should be properly evaluated and monitored to reduce the chances of developing complications associated with these abnormalities.

HLA-DRB3*01:01 is a predictor of immunization against human platelet antigen-1a but not of the severity of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

Most cases of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) are caused by maternal alloantibodies against human platelet antigen-1a (HPA-1a). Alloimmunization mainly occurs in HPA-1a-negative mothers who are carriers of the HLA-DRB3*01:01 allele. Recently, it has been reported that the combined presence of HLA-DRB3*01:01 and HLA-DRB4*01:01P was associated with severity of FNAIT. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing a large cohort of cases and controls. In total, 101 mothers with a history of FNAIT caused by anti-HPA-1a were investigated. HLA-DRB1, -DRB3, -DRB4, and -DRB5 genotypes were determined by Luminex technology. Haplotype frequencies were compared between cases and 100 controls. The platelet (PLT) counts of neonates and the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were compared between subgroups defined by genotype. Of the HPA-1a-immunized mothers, 98% (99/101) carried at least one copy of HLA-DRB3*01:01. Carriage of HLA-DRB3*01:01 was significantly associated with immune response to HPA-1a (odds ratio, 92.3; 95% confidence interval, 26.9-317.1; p=1.34×10-12 ). No association between HLA-DRB3*01:01 and HLA-DRB4*01:01P alone or in combination with the PLT count of the newborns or the incidence of ICH was detected. In contrast to HLA-DRB4*01:01P, the inheritance of HLA-DRB3*01:01 is strongly associated with the propensity for mounting a humoral immune response against fetal HPA-1a antigen. Neither a homozygous nor a compound heterozygous gene dose predicts the severity of the disease. Testing for the presence of HLA-DRB3*01:01 might be very useful in counseling women at risk of FNAIT due to anti-HPA-1a.

Performance of functional fibrinogen thromboelastography in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Functional Fibrinogen assay of the Thromboelastography (FFTEG), a whole blood viscoelastic hemostatic assay, has been used to estimate fibrinogen levels in adult patients undergoing major surgery but its performance in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery requires evaluation. In this study, we evaluate the correlation between FFTEG parameters and standard laboratory tests for fibrinogen and platelet counts before and after cardiopulmonary bypass in children undergoing repair for congenital heart disease. In this prospective observational study, whole blood samples were obtained from children less than 5 years of age undergoing congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass before surgical incision and immediately after administration of protamine. Blood samples were analyzed for Thromboelastography, Functional Fibrinogen level measured by FFTEG (FLEV), complete blood counts with platelet count and plasma fibrinogen assay (LFib, Clauss). The primary outcome of this study was to assess the correlation between FFTEG parameters, LFib and platelet counts in neonates, infants, and small children less than 5 years old. Additionally, we studied if postbypass FFTEG parameters could predict critical thresholds of hypofibrinogenemia LFib ≤200 mg·dl-1 . One hundred and five children (22 neonates, 51 infants, and 32 small children) were included in the final analysis. FLEV estimated higher fibrinogen levels than LFib in all patients. Before bypass, FLEV was on average 133 mg·dl-1 higher than LFib (95% confidence interval, CI, 116-150, P < 0.001) for all the patients; after bypass, FLEV was 48 mg·dl-1 (95% CI: 37-59, P < 0.001) higher than LFib for all the patients. Linear correlation coefficients between FLEV and LFib in all patients were R = 0.41 (95% CI: 0.24-0.56, P < 0.001) before bypass and increased to R = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.51-0.74, P < 0.001) after bypass. Bland Altman analysis performed on postbypass values of FLEV and LFib showed a positive bias of FLEV in estimation of LFib. The magnitude and the variability of the bias for all the patients group was decreased with lower mean of the difference of FLEV and LFib when the average values of FLEV and LFib were <200 mg·dl-1 . Low linear correlations were noticed between maximal amplitude of platelet contribution to FFTEG and platelet counts both before and after bypass. For predicting the clinical thresholds of postbypass hypofibrinogenemia at plasma fibrinogen levels ≤200 mg·dl-1 , FLEV and maximal amplitude of the fibrinogen clot generated area under receiver operative curves at 0.90 (95% CI = 0.76-1.0) in neonates, 0.6 (95% CI- 0.42-0.78) in infants, and 0.97 (95% CI = 0.91-1.0) in small children. Based on the receiver operative curves, values of postbypass hypofibrinogenemia with LFib ≤200 g·dl-1 corresponded to cutoffs of FLEVPOST ≤245 mg·dl-1 and maximal amplitude of the fibrinogen clot ≤13.4 mm. In pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery, FLEV derived from Functional Fibrinogen correlated linearly with plasma fibrinogen levels (Clauss) both before and after CPB. FLEV estimation of plasma fibrinogen was improved after CPB in neonates, infants, and small children. After CPB, FFTEG can be used to predict laboratory diagnosis of critical hypofibrinogenemia (≤200 mg·dl-1 ) during pediatric cardiac surgery. Further studies are required to assess the impact of predictability of FFTEG on component transfusion during pediatric cardiac surgery.

Phototherapy in Hyperbilirubinemic Neonates; Does it Affect Platelet Count?

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;  &lt;/strong&gt;To determine the effect of phototherapy on platelet count in neonates having unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Patients and Methods:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;  &lt;/strong&gt;This cross sectional study was conducted in the Neonatology unit of a Hospital, Faisalabad during a period of nine months i.e., January to September 2015. All the neonates having unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and requiring phototherapy with normal initial platelet count were included in the study. Platelet count was evaluated before the start of phototherapy and then during phototherapy at 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 72 hrs interval. Platelet counts were compared after 24, 48 and 72 hours of phototherapy. P value &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;  &lt;/strong&gt;Total 150 newborns having unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were included with mean age of 3.95 ± 1.71days. After 24 hours of phototherapy, about 8.1% of the patients were having severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count &amp;lt; 50 ×10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt;/L); this percentage rose to 18.4% after 48 hours and 33.3% after 72 hours of phototherapy. None of the patients developed clinical manifestation of bleeding. The number of patients with normal platelet count (1,50 × 10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt;/L – 400 × 10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt;/L) after 24 hours of continuous phototherapy was 50%, gradually reducing  to 38% after 48 hours and only 33% after 72 hours of completion of phototherapy(p value &amp;lt; 0.05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;  &lt;/strong&gt;Hyperbilirubinemic neonates undergoing phototherapy had a fall in platelet count without any clinical manifestation of bleeding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Neonatal Outcomes of Pregnancy with Immune Thrombocytopenia.

Neonates born to mothers with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have an increased risk for neonatal thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic complications. The aim of this study was to determine the maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with ITP and also to identify risk factors that predicts neonatal thrombocytopenia. We performed a retrospective analysis of 40 pregnancies with ITP and their 40 neonates. Among the 40 neonates, thrombocytopenia (platelet count of less than 150×109/L) was detected in 15 neonates (37.5%) whom 8 of them had severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count of less than 50×109/L). Ten of the 15 neonates with thrombocytopenia required treatment to increase the platelet counts. There was statistically significant association between neonatal thrombocytopenia and maternal splenectomy history and maternal duration of thrombocytopenia. There was no statistically significant correlation between maternal platelet count and neonatal platelet count. Clinicians should pay special attention in these neonates because of risk for development of neonatal thrombocytopenia. Maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is generally good.

Lower‐dose intravenous immunoglobulins for the treatment of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a cohort study

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are the cornerstone in the treatment of pregnancies at risk for fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). The most commonly used dose is 1.0 g/kg/week, not based on any dose-finding study. IVIG is an expensive multidonor human blood product with dose-related side effects. Our aim was to describe the amount of severe thrombocytopenia according to two different doses of IVIG. We performed a cohort study, where two dosage regimes of IVIG were evaluated in the treatment of pregnant women suffering from FNAIT with a previous affected child without intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Cases, treated with 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg/week, were selected from the international multicenter No IntraCranial Hemorrhage (NOICH) registry. Outcome was neonatal platelet (PLT) count at birth and amount of severe thrombocytopenia. Furthermore the appearance of ICH was analyzed. A total of 109 women were included in the study, 46 in the 0.5 IVIG group and 63 in the 1.0 IVIG group. There was no difference in PLT count at birth (mean, 112 vs. 119; crude difference, 7; confidence interval [CI], -37.4 to 23.7]) and incidence of severe thrombocytopenia (<30×10(9) /L; n=7/46 vs. n=7/63; odds ratio, 1.43 [CI, 0.46-4.42]). No ICH occurred. In pregnancies with FNAIT with a previous affected child without ICH, treatment with IVIG in a weekly dose of 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg results in comparable neonatal PLT count at birth and degree of thrombocytopenia.

A study on effect of phototherapy on platelet count in neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in a tertiary care rural hospital

Background: Phototherapy is one of the most common and invasive methods in treatment of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia of the neonate. Adverse effects of phototherapy include loose stools, skin rash and dehydration. There are very few studies which show the effect of phototherapy on platelet count. So, this study was done to show the effect of phototherapy on platelet count. Methods: This is a prospective hospital based comparative study on 100 eligible neonates admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit receiving phototherapy at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and research hospital, a rural tertiary care hospital, B. G. Nagara, Nagamangala Taluk, Karnataka from December 1st 2013- November 30th 2014. Two samples were taken before and after phototherapy, were taken and analysis was done. The results were analysed statistically. Results: A total of 100 neonates were included in our study of which 55(55%) were males and 45(45%) were females. The mean (+/-SD) platelet counts were 2.23+/-0.28 lak before phototherapy and 1.82+/-0.01 lak after phototherapy. There was a decline in the mean platelet count after phototherapy but it was not statistically significant (p=0.150). However there was a significant decline in mean platelet count in LBW babies. Conclusions: In our study there was a decline in mean platelet count after phototherapy but it was not statistically significant except for LBW babies. The treating Doctor should keep other causes of thrombocytopenia when the patient is receiving phototherapy.

Neonates born to mothers with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a single-center experience of 20 years.

Neonates born to mothers with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have an increased risk of having thrombocytopenia and bleeding. The aim of our study was to determine maternal and fetal factors that can predict bleeding risk in neonates born to mothers with ITP, and effective treatment strategies by retrospective analysis of our single-center data. We performed a retrospective data review of neonates that were recorded as 'neonates born to mothers with ITP' in the Neonatal ICU of Hacettepe University, Ihsan Dogramacı Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Medical records of 36 neonates born from 35 mothers were analyzed. Among the 36 neonates born to mothers with ITP, thrombocytopenia (platelet count of less than 150 × 10/l) was detected in 20 (56.0%) neonates on the first day of life. Twelve of the 20 neonates with thrombocytopenia (60.0%) required treatment to increase the platelet counts. Clinical findings related to thrombocytopenia occurred in three (15.0%) neonates, but none of them presented with severe bleeding. There was no statistically significant association between neonatal lowest platelet count and maternal lowest platelet count, maternal platelet count at the time of delivery, and duration of thrombocytopenia, respectively. Neonates born to mothers with ITP have an increased tendency to develop thrombocytopenia, but severe bleeding is very rare in these neonates. Clinicians should pay special attention to follow these neonates. According to our results, both intravenous immunoglobulin and methyl prednisolone were found to be in equivalent efficacy for the treatment of neonatal thrombocytopenia due to maternal ITP.

Suppression of in vitro megakaryopoiesis by maternal sera containing anti-HPA-1a antibodies

AbstractIncompatibility of the human platelet antigen-1 (HPA-1) system is the most common cause of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (F/NAIT) and is thought to be mediated by accelerated clearance of antibody-opsonized fetal platelets. We evaluated the effect of maternal sera containing anti-HPA-1a antibodies (F/NAIT sera) on in vitro megakaryopoiesis. Compared with control maternal sera, 14 out of 17 F/NAIT sera significantly reduced megakaryocyte (MK) number. This finding was associated with increased apoptosis and cell death of early MKs/MK progenitors, but normal maturation and differentiation of surviving MKs. An analysis of platelet counts in infants born to mothers following antenatal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) ± prednisone therapy demonstrated a significant and moderately strong correlation between the MK growth in cultures and the infants' platelet counts at birth. These findings suggest that maternal anti-HPA-1a antibodies can suppress fetal megakaryopoiesis by inducing early cell death and that this influences the neonatal platelet count. Thus, the ability of maternal antibodies to suppress MK growth is a potential predictive factor for the fetal response to maternal IVIG therapy.

True risk of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia in subsequent pregnancies: a prospective observational follow‐up study

To assess neonatal platelet counts by comparing alloimmunised pregnancies from a Norwegian screening and intervention study with subsequent pregnancies from the same women. Prospective observational follow-up study. A university hospital. HPA-1a immunised women from a large Norwegian screening study that gave birth to one or more children after the screening study ended (2004-2012). Follow-up of maternal anti-HPA-1a antibody levels and neonatal platelet counts from the screening pregnancies were compared with subsequent pregnancies. None of the women received antenatal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment and neonatal platelet counts were therefore comparable. Change in neonatal platelet counts from one HPA-1a incompatible pregnancy to the next. Maternal anti-HPA-a1 antibody levels from one HPA-1a incompatible pregnancy to the next. Forty-five incompatible subsequent pregnancies were identified. Overall, the neonatal platelet count in the subsequent pregnancy was improved (18%), unchanged (52%), or worse (30%), compared with the corresponding screening pregnancy. There was one case of fetal intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) identified in the screening (intrauterine fetal death detected at 30weeks of gestation) and no ICH cases recorded for the subsequent pregnancies. In cases where the platelet count was lower in the subsequent pregnancy, the maternal anti-HPA-1a antibody level was higher compared with the screening pregnancy. In comparison, the maternal antibody level was lower in subsequent pregnancies where the platelet count improved. In contrast to what is often stated, we found that the neonatal platelet count was increased or unchanged in the majority of subsequent pregnancies of HPA-1a-immunised women.

Platelets in neonates: central mediators in haemostasis, antimicrobial defence and inflammation.

Platelets are not only centrally involved in haemostasis, but also in antimicrobial defence and inflammation. Since evaluation of platelet physiology in the particular patient group of preterm and term neonatal infants is highly restricted for ethical reasons, there are hardly any data available in healthy and much less in extremely immature or ill neonates. By summarising current knowledge and addressing both platelet researchers and neonatologists, we describe neonatal platelet count and morphology, report on previous analyses of neonatal platelet function in primary haemostasis and provide insights into recent advances in platelet immunology that considerably impacts our clinical view on the critically ill neonatal infant. We conclude that neonatal platelets, originating from liver megakaryocytes, substantially differ from adult platelets and may play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of neonatal sepsis or intraventricular haemorrhage, both complications which seriously augment perinatal morbidity and mortality.

PMM.25 Outcomes in women with thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

BackgroundAntenatal thrombocytopenia occurs in 5% of pregnancies and is predominantly due to gestational thrombocytopenia (GTP), or more rarely is immunologically-mediated (ITP). The risk of significant neonatal thrombocytopenia (<50 × 109/L)...

Factors predictive of neonatal thrombocytopenia in pregnant women with immune thrombocytopenia

To determine predictive factors for neonatal thrombocytopenia in deliveries with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), we conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary hospital between 1997 and 2013. During this period, 30 women with ITP delivered 44 children. Neonatal thrombocytopenia (<100 × 10(9)/L) at birth was observed in seven neonates; four of these cases were severe (<50 × 10(9)/L). No cases were complicated by intracranial hemorrhage, and there was no neonatal mortality. Platelet counts at birth of neonates born to mothers, who had first been diagnosed with ITP during pregnancy were significantly higher than those born to mothers diagnosed with ITP before pregnancy. There were significant correlations between neonatal platelet counts in the first and second siblings at birth (P = 0.015) and at nadir (P = 0.035). Platelet counts of neonates born vaginally were significantly more likely to decline after birth than those delivered by cesarean section (13/16 vs. 10/23, P = 0.024). In conclusion, diagnosis of ITP before pregnancy was significantly associated with neonatal thrombocytopenia, and the platelet count of an older sibling is a strong predictor for that of the next baby. The delivery mode may be an indicator of the timing of platelet count nadir after birth.

Can we predict neonatal thrombocytopenia in offspring of women with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura?

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate which factors in the clinical profile of mothers with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) can predict neonatal risk of thrombocytopenia.MethodsData was retrospectively collected from all pregnant women with ITP who presented to our institution between 2001 and 2013. Neonatal offspring of these women were classified into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of neonatal thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100×109/L). Several parameters were compared between the 2 groups, including maternal age, maternal platelet count, maternal treatment history, and thrombocytopenia in siblings. We further examined the correlation between maternal platelet count at the time of delivery and neonatal platelet count at birth; we also examined the correlation between the minimum platelet counts of other children born to multiparous women.ResultsSixty-six neonates from 49 mothers were enrolled in the study. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 13 (19.7%) neonates. Maternal treatment for ITP such as splenectomy did not correlate with a risk of neonatal thrombocytopenia. Sibling thrombocytopenia was more frequently observed in neonates with thrombocytopenia than in those without (7/13 vs. 4/53, P<0.01). No association was observed between maternal and neonatal platelet counts. However, the nadir neonatal platelet counts of first- and second-born siblings were highly correlated (r=0.87).ConclusionThrombocytopenia in neonates of women with ITP cannot be predicted by maternal treatment history or platelet count. However, the presence of an older sibling with neonatal thrombocytopenia is a reliable risk factor for neonatal thrombocytopenia in subsequent pregnancies.

Neonatal thrombocytopenia after perinatal asphyxia treated with hypothermia: a retrospective case control study.

Our objective was to estimate the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on platelet count in neonates after perinatal asphyxia. We performed a retrospective case control study of all (near-) term neonates with perinatal asphyxia admitted between 2004 and 2012 to our neonatal intensive care unit. All neonates treated with therapeutic hypothermia were included in this study (hypothermia group) and compared with a historic control group of neonates with perinatal asphyxia treated before introduction of therapeutic hypothermia (2008). Primary outcome was thrombocytopenia during the first week after birth. Thrombocytopenia was found significantly more often in the hypothermia group than in the control group, 80% (43/54) versus 59% (27/46) (P = .02). The lowest mean platelet count in the hypothermia group and control group was 97 × 109/L and 125 × 109/L (P = .06), respectively, and was reached at a mean age of 4.1 days in the hypothermia group and 2.9 days in the control group (P < .001). The incidence of moderate/severe cerebral hemorrhage was 6% (3/47) in the hypothermia group versus 9% (3/35) in the control group (P = .64). In conclusion, neonates with perinatal asphyxia treated with therapeutic hypothermia are at increased risk of thrombocytopenia, without increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage.