Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a severe disorder affecting 1/1000 live births. The complication to be feared most is the occurrence of intracranial haemorrhage leading to death in 10% of cases or neurological sequelae in 20% of cases. The mechanisms of maternal immunization still remain largely unknown. Identifying the fetus at risk can effectively reduce the deleterious consequences of this affliction. The goal of this session is to review our current understanding of the pathophysiology and to propose better detection methods and therapies. One speaker will review the maternal immune response to platelet antigens and discuss novel alternative therapies. The need for antenatal management for current and subsequent pregnancies and response to therapies will be discussed by the another speaker. Finally, recent developments in immunological studies through development of animal models will be reviewed and the knowledge gained from these animal models can be applied for better disease management.





This session offers Self-Assessment Module (SAM) credit. Please complete the post test to receive SAM credit.