Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a rare disease that affects newborns, where the platelet count is reduced due to the mother's immune system attacking the baby's platelets. This condition can lead to severe bleeding and other complications in the newborn.

Causes

NAIT is caused by an incompatibility between the mother's and baby's blood. The mother's immune system produces antibodies that attack the baby's platelets, leading to a reduced platelet count. This is similar to the mechanism that causes Rh disease, but it involves platelets instead of red blood cells.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of NAIT is purpura, or purple or red spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. Other symptoms can include bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in the urine or stool, or excessive bruising. In severe cases, NAIT can lead to intracranial hemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain, which can cause serious complications.

Diagnosis

NAIT is usually diagnosed through blood tests that show a low platelet count in the newborn. The mother's blood may also be tested for antibodies that can cause NAIT. In some cases, a sample of the baby's blood may be examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities in the platelets.

Treatment

Treatment for NAIT depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may not require treatment, while more severe cases may require platelet transfusions to increase the platelet count. In some cases, medications may be given to the mother during pregnancy to prevent NAIT in the newborn.

See also

• Thrombocytopenia
• Rh disease
• Platelet transfusion

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