Early onset neonatal thrombocytopenia is associated with severe intraventricular hemorrhage in very preterm infants: A retrospective cohort study.
Journal of neonatal-perinatal medicine
BACKGROUND:The role of platelet function in the development of intraventricular hemorrhage is still a subject of debate. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there is an association between platelet indices in the first week of life and severity of intraventricular hemorrhage in very preterm infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Preterm infants born < 30 weeks of gestation in our hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Platelet parameters, including platelet counts, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet mass were retrieved at two different time points: the initial value on the first day of life and the value closest to the end of the first week of life. The infants were categorized according to the findings of cranial ultrasonography as; no intraventricular hemorrhage, mild or severe intraventricular hemorrhage. RESULTS:Totally, 1051 infants were evaluated. The mean gestational age and birth weight for the entire cohort were 27.9±1.6 weeks and 1058±247 g, respectively. Infants in the severe intraventricular hemorrhage group had significantly lower gestational age (p < 0.001) and birthweight (p < 0.001) compared to other two groups. Furthermore, there were significant differences in platelet count and platelet mass between the groups at two time intervals. However, logistic regression analysis revealed that only platelet count of < 100×109/L on the first postnatal day was independently associated with the severity of intraventricular hemorrhage. CONCLUSION:There is an association between platelet count of < 100×109/L on the first postnatal day and severe intraventricular hemorrhage in very preterm infants.
10.3233/NPM-230045
[Serological Diagnosis and Clinical Data Analysis of Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia].
Zhongguo shi yan xue ye xue za zhi
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) and analyze the laboratory test results and clinical data related to the disease, so as to provide reference for clinical treatment and improvement of prognosis. METHODS:The clinical data of six neonatal patients with FNAIT in the Neonatology Department of our hospital from March 2017 to September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, which included laboratory diagnosis, clinical symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. RESULTS:Among six patients, two cases occurred in the first pregnancy and four cases in the second pregnancy. The platelet count of six cases were decreased at admission or during hospitalization and maternal and neonatal serum autoimmune platelet antibody tests were positive. Five cases were accompanied by different degrees of skin and facial bleeding spots or petechiae and ecchymosis, intracranial hemorrhage. Four cases were treated with immunoglobulin and/or steroid hormone therapy (one of them received cross-matched platelets transfusion), while the symptoms of the other two cases improved spontaneously. Five cases recovered and were discharged from the hospital, while one case had not recovered but the family members requested to be discharged forwardly. Four cases were hospitalized within two weeks, but two cases were hospitalized for more than two weeks due to other diseases or factors (e.g., neonatal sepsis, neonatal enteritis, congenital heart disease, neonatal asphyxia, etc.). CONCLUSION:FNAIT is characterized by decreased platelet count, with or without bleeding symptoms, and may occur in the first and following pregnancy. FNAIT can recover spontaneously or have a good prognosis after treatment. However, the complication with other diseases or factors may affect the prognosis.
10.19746/j.cnki.issn.1009-2137.2022.04.039
Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a systematic review of impact of HLA-DRB3*01:01 on fetal/neonatal outcome.
Kjeldsen-Kragh Jens,Fergusson Dean A,Kjaer Mette,Lieberman Lani,Greinacher Andreas,Murphy Michael F,Bussel James,Bakchoul Tamam,Corke Stacy,Bertrand Gérald,Oepkes Dick,Baker Jillian M,Hume Heather,Massey Edwin,Kaplan Cecile,Arnold Donald M,Baidya Shoma,Ryan Greg,Savoia Helen F,Landry Denise,Shehata Nadine
Blood advances
The most common, severe cases of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia among whites are caused by antibodies against human platelet antigen 1a (HPA-1a). The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to determine the association between maternal HLA-DRB3*01:01 and: (1) HPA-1a-alloimmunization and (2) neonatal outcome in children born of HPA-1a-immunized women. A systematic literature search identified 4 prospective and 8 retrospective studies. Data were combined across studies to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The population represented by the prospective studies was more than 150 000. In the prospective studies, there were 64 severely thrombocytopenic newborns (platelet count <50 × 109/L) of whom 3 had intracranial hemorrhage. The mothers of all 64 children were HLA-DRB3*01:01+. The number of severely thrombocytopenic children born of HPA-1a-alloimmunized women in the retrospective studies was 214; 205 of whom were born of HLA-DRB3*01:01+ women. For HLA-DRB3*01:01- women, the OR (95% CI) for alloimmunization was 0.05 (0.00-0.60), and for severe neonatal thrombocytopenia 0.08 (0.02-0.37). This meta-analysis demonstrates that the risk of alloimmunization and of having a child with severe thrombocytopenia are both very low for HPA-1a- women who are HLA-DRB3*01:01-.
10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002137
Cerebral vasculature exhibits dose-dependent sensitivity to thrombocytopenia that is limited to fetal/neonatal life.
Blood
Whether increasing platelet counts in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is effective at preventing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been a subject of debate. The crux of the matter has been whether thrombocytopenia is the major driver of ICH in diseases such as FNAIT. We recently demonstrated in mice that severe thrombocytopenia was sufficient to drive ICH in utero and in early neonatal life. It remains unclear what degree of thrombocytopenia is required to drive ICH and for how long after birth thrombocytopenia can cause ICH. By inducing a thrombocytopenic range, we demonstrate that there is a large buffer zone of mild thrombocytopenia that does not result in ICH, that ICH becomes probabilistic at 40% of the normal platelet number, and that ICH becomes fully penetrant below 10% of the normal platelet number. We also demonstrate that although the neonatal mouse is susceptible to thrombocytopenia-induced ICH, this sensitivity is rapidly lost between postnatal days 7 and 14. These findings provide important insights into the risk of in utero ICH with varying degrees of thrombocytopenia and into defining the developmental high-risk period for thrombocytopenia-driven ICH in a mouse model of FNAIT.
10.1182/blood.2021014094
Recent progress in understanding the pathogenesis of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
Curtis Brian R
British journal of haematology
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) occurs in c. 1 in 1000 births and is caused by maternal antibodies against human platelet alloantigens that bind incompatible fetal platelets and promote their clearance from the circulation. Affected infants can experience bleeding, bruising and, in severe cases, intracranial haemorrhage and even death. As maternal screening is not routinely performed, and first pregnancies can be affected, most cases are diagnosed at delivery of a first affected pregnancy. Unlike its erythrocyte counterpart, Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn, there is no prophylactic treatment for FNAIT. This report will review recent advances made in understanding the pathogenesis of FNAIT: the platelet alloantigens involved, maternal exposure and sensitization to fetal platelet antigens, properties of platelet Immunoglobulin G antibodies, maternal-fetal antibody transport mechanisms and efforts to develop an effective FNAIT prophylaxis.
10.1111/bjh.13639
Thrombocytopenia in the neonate.
Roberts Irene,Stanworth Simon,Murray Neil A
Blood reviews
Thrombocytopenia is one of the commonest haematological problems in neonates, affecting at least 25% of all admissions to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) [Murray NA, Howarth LJ, McCloy MP et al. Platelet transfusion in the management of severe thrombocytopenia in neonatal intensive care unit patients. Transfus Med 2002;12:35-41; Garcia MG, Duenas E, Sola MC et al. Epidemiologic and outcome studies of patients who received platelet transfusions in the neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinatol 2001;21:415-20; Del Vecchio A, Sola MC, Theriaque DW et al. Platelet transfusions in the neonatal intensive care unit: factors predicting which patients will require multiple transfusions. Transfusion 2001;41:803-8]. Although a long list of disorders associated with neonatal thrombocytopenia can be found in many textbooks, newer classifications based on the timing of onset of thrombocytopenia (early vs. late) are more useful for planning diagnostic investigations and day-to-day management. The mainstay of treatment of neonatal thrombocytopenia remains platelet transfusion although it is important to note that no studies have yet shown clinical benefit of platelet transfusion in this setting. Indeed some reports even suggest that there may be significant adverse effects of platelet transfusion in neonates, including increased mortality, and that the effects of transfusion may differ in different groups of neonates with similar degrees of thrombocytopenia [Bonifacio L, Petrova A, Nanjundaswamy S, Mehta R. Thrombocytopenia related neonatal outcome in preterms. Indian J Pediatr 2007;74:269-74; Kenton AB, Hegemier S, Smith EO et al. Platelet transfusions in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis do not lower mortality but may increase morbidity. J Perinatol 2005;25:173-7]. There is also considerable variation in transfusion practice between different countries and between different neonatal units. Here we review recent progress in understanding the prevalence, causes and pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in the newborn, the clinical consequences of thrombocytopenia and developments in neonatal platelet transfusion.
10.1016/j.blre.2008.03.004
New developments in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
Bussel James B,Vander Haar Emilie L,Berkowitz Richard L
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, the platelet equivalent of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, can have devastating effects on both the fetus and neonate. Current management of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia in a subsequent affected pregnancy involves antenatal administration of intravenous immune globulin and prednisone to the pregnant woman to prevent the development of severe fetal thrombocytopenia and secondary intracranial hemorrhage in utero. That therapy has proven to be highly effective but is associated with maternal side effects and is expensive. This commentary describes 4 advances that could substantially change the current approach to detecting and managing fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia in the near future. The first would be an introduction of a program to screen all antepartum patients in this country for pregnancies at risk of developing fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Strategies to implement this complex process have been described. A second advance is testing of cell-free fetal DNA obtained from maternal blood to noninvasively determine the fetal human platelet antigen 1 genotype. A third, in preliminary development, is creation of a prophylactic product that would be the platelet equivalent of Rh immune globulin (RhoGAM). Finally, a fourth major potential advance is the development of neonatal Fc receptor inhibitors to replace the current medical therapy administered to pregnant women with an affected fetus. Neonatal Fc receptor recycles plasma immunoglobulin G to increase its half-life and is the means by which immunoglobulin G crosses the placenta from the maternal to the fetal circulation. Blocking the neonatal Fc receptor is an ideal way to prevent maternal immunoglobulin G antibody from causing fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia in a fetus at risk of developing that disorder. The pertinent pathophysiology and rationale for each of these developments will be presented in addition to our thoughts relating to steps that must be taken and difficulties that each approach would face for them to be successfully implemented.
10.1016/j.ajog.2021.04.211
Antenatal interventions for fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
Rayment Rachel,Brunskill Susan J,Soothill Peter W,Roberts David J,Bussel James B,Murphy Michael F
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
BACKGROUND:Fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia results from the formation of antibodies by the mother which are directed against a fetal platelet alloantigen inherited from the father. The resulting fetal thrombocytopenia (reduced platelet numbers) may cause bleeding, particularly into the brain, before or shortly after birth. Antenatal treatment of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia includes the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and/or corticosteroids to the mother to prevent severe fetal thrombocytopenia. IVIG and corticosteroids both have short-term and possibly long-term side effects. IVIG is also costly and optimal regimens need to be identified. OBJECTIVES:To determine the optimal antenatal treatment of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia to prevent fetal and neonatal haemorrhage and death. SEARCH STRATEGY:We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (28 February 2011) and bibliographies of relevant publications and review articles. SELECTION CRITERIA:Randomised controlled studies comparing any intervention with no treatment, or comparing any two interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS:We included four trials involving 206 people. One trial involving 39 people compared a corticosteroid (prednisone) versus IVIG alone. In this trial, where analysable data were available, there was no statistically significant differences between the treatment arms for predefined outcomes. Three trials involving 167 people compared IVIG plus a corticosteroid (prednisone in two trials and dexamethasone in one trial) versus IVIG alone. In these trials there was no statistically significant difference in the findings between the treatment arms for predefined outcomes (intracranial haemorrhage; platelet count at birth and preterm birth). Lack of complete data sets and important differences in interventions precluded the pooling of data from these trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:The optimal management of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia remains unclear. Lack of complete data sets for two trials and differences in interventions precluded the pooling of data from these trials which may have enabled a more developed analysis of the trial findings. Further trials would be required to determine optimal treatment (the specific medication and its dose and schedule). Such studies should include long-term follow up of all children and mothers.
10.1002/14651858.CD004226.pub3
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: Current pathophysiological insights and perspectives for future diagnostics and treatment.
Blood reviews
FNAIT is a pregnancy-associated condition caused by maternal alloantibodies against paternally-inherited platelet antigens, most frequently HPA-1a on integrin β3. The clinical effects range from no symptoms to fatal intracranial hemorrhage, but underlying pathophysiological determinants are poorly understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that differential antibody-Fc-glycosylation, activation of complement/effector cells, and integrin function-blocking effects contribute to clinical outcome. Furthermore, some antibodies preferentially bind platelet integrin αIIbβ3, but others bind αvβ3 on endothelial cells and trophoblasts. Defects in endothelial cells and angiogenesis may therefore contribute to severe anti-HPA-1a associated FNAIT. Moreover, anti-HPA-1a antibodies may cause placental damage, leading to intrauterine growth restriction. We discuss current insights into diversity and actions of HPA-1a antibodies, gathered from clinical studies, in vitro studies, and mouse models. Assessment of all factors determining severity and progression of anti-HPA-1a-associated FNAIT may importantly improve risk stratification and potentially reveal novel treatment strategies, both for FNAIT and other immunohematological disorders.
10.1016/j.blre.2022.101038
Bleeding in neonates with severe thrombocytopenia: a retrospective cohort study.
BMC pediatrics
BACKGROUND:Severe neonatal thrombocytopenia is a rare disease with multiple etiologies. Severe thrombocytopenia with bleeding is life-threatening and has attracted significant attention from clinicians. However, only a few studies have focused on the association between severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding. Thus, this study aimed to describe the neonates' postnatal age at which severe thrombocytopenia was first recognized, clinical characteristics, bleeding patterns, and outcomes and to evaluate the association between minimum platelet count and bleeding. METHODS:A single-center retrospective cohort study for neonates with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤ 50 × 10/L) was conducted. Neonates who were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between October 2016 and February 2021 and developed severe thrombocytopenia were analyzed. Data were collected retrospectively until the patients were referred to other hospitals, discharged, or deceased. RESULTS:Among the 5819 neonatal inpatients, 170 with severe thrombocytopenia were included in this study. More than 30% of the patients had severe thrombocytopenia in the first 3 days of life. Among the 118 neonates with bleeding, 47 had more than one type of pathological bleeding. Neonates with very severe thrombocytopenia (point estimate: 53.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 44.2%-63.1%) had a higher incidence rate of cutaneous bleeding than those with severe thrombocytopenia (point estimate: 23.4%, 95% CI: 12.3%-34.4%). The gestational age (median: 36.2 [interquartile range [IQR]: 31.4-39.0] weeks) and birth weight (median: 2310 [IQR: 1213-3210] g) of the major bleeding group were the lowest among no bleeding, minor bleeding, and major bleeding groups. Regression analysis controlled for confounders and confirmed that a lower platelet count (odds ratio [OR]: 2.504 [95% CI: 1.180-5.314], P = 0.017) was associated with a significant increase in the rate of bleeding. Very severe thrombocytopenia (point estimate: 49.1%, 95% CI: 39.6%-58.6%) had a higher rate of platelet transfusion than severe thrombocytopenia (point estimate: 5.7%, 95% CI: 0.7%-10.7%). The mortality rate was higher in neonates with bleeding than in those without bleeding (point estimates with 95% CI: 33.1% [24.4%-41.7%] vs. 7.7% [0.2%-15.2%]). CONCLUSIONS:These findings describe the incidence of severe thrombocytopenia and demonstrate that a lower platelet count is associated with an increased bleeding rate in patients with severe thrombocytopenia.
10.1186/s12887-022-03802-4
Prospective, observational study of outcomes in neonates with severe thrombocytopenia.
Stanworth Simon J,Clarke Paul,Watts Tim,Ballard Sally,Choo Louise,Morris Tim,Murphy Mike F,Roberts Irene,
Pediatrics
OBJECTIVE:A cross-sectional, observational study of outcomes for neonates with severe neonatal thrombocytopenia (SNT; platelet count of <60 x 10(9) platelets per L) was performed to examine hemorrhage and use of platelet transfusions. METHODS:Neonates who were admitted to 7 NICUs and developed SNT were enrolled for daily data collection. RESULTS:Among 3652 neonatal admissions, 194 neonates (5%) developed SNT. The median gestational age of 169 enrolled neonates was 27 weeks (interquartile range [IQR]: 24-32 weeks), and the median birth weight was 822 g (IQR: 670-1300 g). Platelet count nadirs were <20 x 10(9), 20 to 39 x 10(9), and 40 to 59 x 10(9) platelets per L for 58 (34%), 64 (39%), and 47 (28%) of all enrolled infants, respectively. During the study, 31 infants (18%) had no recorded hemorrhage, 123 (73%) developed minor hemorrhage, and 15 (9%) developed major hemorrhage. Thirteen (87%) of 15 episodes of major hemorrhage occurred in neonates with gestational ages of <28 weeks. Platelet transfusions (n = 415) were administered to 116 infants (69%); for 338 (81%) transfusions, the main recorded reason was low platelet count. Transfusions increased the platelet count from a median of 27 x 10(9) platelets per L (IQR: 19-36 x 10(9) platelets per L) to 79 x 10(9) platelets per L (IQR: 47.5-127 x 10(9) platelets per L). CONCLUSIONS:Although one third of neonates enrolled in this study developed thrombocytopenia of <20 x 10(9) platelets per L, 91% did not develop major hemorrhage. Most platelet transfusions were given to neonates with thrombocytopenia with no bleeding or minor bleeding only.
10.1542/peds.2009-0332
Randomized Trial of Platelet-Transfusion Thresholds in Neonates.
Curley Anna,Stanworth Simon J,Willoughby Karen,Fustolo-Gunnink Susanna F,Venkatesh Vidheya,Hudson Cara,Deary Alison,Hodge Renate,Hopkins Valerie,Lopez Santamaria Beatriz,Mora Ana,Llewelyn Charlotte,D'Amore Angela,Khan Rizwan,Onland Wes,Lopriore Enrico,Fijnvandraat Karin,New Helen,Clarke Paul,Watts Timothy,
The New England journal of medicine
BACKGROUND:Platelet transfusions are commonly used to prevent bleeding in preterm infants with thrombocytopenia. Data are lacking to provide guidance regarding thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusions in preterm neonates with severe thrombocytopenia. METHODS:In this multicenter trial, we randomly assigned infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestation in whom severe thrombocytopenia developed to receive a platelet transfusion at platelet-count thresholds of 50,000 per cubic millimeter (high-threshold group) or 25,000 per cubic millimeter (low-threshold group). Bleeding was documented prospectively with the use of a validated bleeding-assessment tool. The primary outcome was death or new major bleeding within 28 days after randomization. RESULTS:A total of 660 infants (median birth weight, 740 g; and median gestational age, 26.6 weeks) underwent randomization. In the high-threshold group, 90% of the infants (296 of 328 infants) received at least one platelet transfusion, as compared with 53% (177 of 331 infants) in the low-threshold group. A new major bleeding episode or death occurred in 26% of the infants (85 of 324) in the high-threshold group and in 19% (61 of 329) in the low-threshold group (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 2.32; P=0.02). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to rates of serious adverse events (25% in the high-threshold group and 22% in the low-threshold group; odds ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.67). CONCLUSIONS:Among preterm infants with severe thrombocytopenia, those randomly assigned to receive platelet transfusions at a platelet-count threshold of 50,000 per cubic millimeter had a significantly higher rate of death or major bleeding within 28 days after randomization than those who received platelet transfusions at a platelet-count threshold of 25,000 per cubic millimeter. (Funded by the National Health Service Blood and Transplant Research and Development Committee and others; Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN87736839 .).
10.1056/NEJMoa1807320
Platelet indices are novel predictors of hospital mortality in intensive care unit patients.
Zhang Zhongheng,Xu Xiao,Ni Hongying,Deng Hongsheng
Journal of critical care
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Platelet volume indices (PVIs) are inexpensive and readily available in intensive care units (ICUs). However, their association with mortality has never been investigated in a critical care setting. Our study aimed to investigate the association of PVI and mortality in unselected ICU patients. METHODS:This was a retrospective study conducted in a mixed 24-bed ICU from September 2010 to December 2012. Platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet count, and plateletcrit were measured on ICU entry. Univariable analyses were performed to screen for variables that were associated with mortality. Variables with P < .1 were incorporated into a regression model to adjust for the odds ratio of platelet indices. RESULTS:A total of 1556 patients were included during the study period, including 1113 survivors and 443 nonsurvivors (mortality rate: 28.47%). Platelet distribution width and MPV were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. Platelet distribution width greater than 17% and MPV greater than 11.3 fL were independent risk factors for mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.92 and 1.84, respectively) and survival time (hazards ratio: 1.77 and 1.75, respectively). CONCLUSION:Higher MPV and PDW are associated with increased risk of death, whereas the decrease in plateletcrit is associated with increased mortality risk.
10.1016/j.jcrc.2014.04.020
Antenatal management in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a systematic review.
Winkelhorst Dian,Murphy Michael F,Greinacher Andreas,Shehata Nadine,Bakchoul Taman,Massey Edwin,Baker Jillian,Lieberman Lani,Tanael Susano,Hume Heather,Arnold Donald M,Baidya Shoma,Bertrand Gerald,Bussel James,Kjaer Mette,Kaplan Cécile,Kjeldsen-Kragh Jens,Oepkes Dick,Ryan Greg
Blood
Several strategies can be used to manage fetal or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in subsequent pregnancies. Serial fetal blood sampling (FBS) and intrauterine platelet transfusions (IUPT), as well as weekly maternal IV immunoglobulin infusion (IVIG), with or without additional corticosteroid therapy, are common options, but optimal management has not been determined. The aim of this systematic review was to assess antenatal treatment strategies for FNAIT. Four randomized controlled trials and 22 nonrandomized studies were included. Pooling of results was not possible due to considerable heterogeneity. Most studies found comparable outcomes regarding the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage, regardless of the antenatal management strategy applied; FBS, IUPT, or IVIG with or without corticosteroids. There is no consistent evidence for the value of adding steroids to IVIG. FBS or IUPT resulted in a relatively high complication rate (consisting mainly of preterm emergency cesarean section) of 11% per treated pregnancy in all studies combined. Overall, noninvasive management in pregnant mothers who have had a previous neonate with FNAIT is effective without the relatively high rate of adverse outcomes seen with invasive strategies. This systematic review suggests that first-line antenatal management in FNAIT is weekly IVIG administration, with or without the addition of corticosteroids.
10.1182/blood-2016-10-739656
How I diagnose and treat neonatal thrombocytopenia.
Blood
Neonatal thrombocytopenia, defined as the presence of a circulating platelet count <150 × 109/L, is a common abnormality in babies admitted to neonatal intensive care units. Thrombocytopenia that is typically mild and self-limiting often accompanies neonatal stress in scenarios such as premature delivery or intrauterine growth restriction. However, the differential diagnosis of neonatal thrombocytopenia is wide and includes potentially life-threatening disorders, such as bacterial sepsis, viral infection, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Distinguishing these causes of thrombocytopenia from entities such as genetic thrombocytopenia and fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is critical for the accurate quantitation of significant adverse events, such as intracranial bleeding, and for the selection of treatments, such as platelet transfusion. In this review, we focus on common differential diagnoses of neonatal thrombocytopenia and highlight how the landscape of diagnosis and management is changing with recent advances in genomic technology and the completion of pivotal clinical trials of platelet transfusion practice. Increasing evidence highlights the need for judicious and restrictive use of platelet transfusions in neonates.
10.1182/blood.2022018017
Distinct characteristics of neonatal platelet reactivity.
Tesfamariam Belay
Pharmacological research
Platelets undergo a process of developmental maturation, and hence its regulation of vascular integrity and control of hemostasis at various stages of neonatal ages deserves better characterization. Functional assays for platelets require a larger volume of blood than what is feasible to collect in neonates, creating a technical hurdle that has been a challenge to investigate neonatal platelets. For this reason, the current knowledge of neonatal platelet function has been based on studies from cord blood-derived platelets as a surrogate for neonatal peripheral blood. Studies indicate that neonatal platelets are hypofunctional to various agonists, although neonates tend to maintain normal hemostasis. This apparently paradoxical finding may be due to several factors, such as elevated functionally potent von Willebrand factor multimers or hematocrit levels, in the neonatal blood that enhance the platelet and vessel wall interaction, and counteract platelet hyporeactivity. This review describes the functional characteristics of neonatal platelets, differences in platelet reactivity between neonates and adults, and potential biomarkers of platelet activation.
10.1016/j.phrs.2017.06.003