Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
07:51
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
1Institute for Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany. ulrich.sachs@med.uni-giessen.de
Thrombosis Research
|March 5, 2013
Summary
Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) occurs when maternal antibodies target fetal platelets, risking severe bleeding. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for subsequent pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Perinatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) involves maternal antibodies attacking fetal platelets.
- This can lead to severe fetal thrombocytopenia and intracranial hemorrhage.
- Current screening programs are limited, with index cases often diagnosed at birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of FNAIT.
- To highlight the importance of interdisciplinary management for affected families.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of FNAIT pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
- Discussion of interdisciplinary approaches involving obstetrics, pediatrics, and immunohematology.
Main Results:
- Maternal antibody production against paternal platelet antigens is the primary cause.
- Intracranial bleeding is a severe, potentially fatal complication of fetal thrombocytopenia.
- Subsequent pregnancies require specialized interventions and coordinated care.
Conclusions:
- FNAIT necessitates early recognition and management strategies.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for optimizing care and improving outcomes for affected infants and mothers.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:15Transcytosis of IgG
Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
01:14Fetal Circulation
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:19Rh Blood Group
The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.