Rhesus sensitization and alloimmune thrombocytopenia

Significant progress has unquestionably occurred in the diagnosis and treatment of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. However, fundamental aspects of this disease are still not fully understood, especially those factors that account for the diverse clinical spectrum of this disease. This impacts our ability to counsel patients regarding the ultimate outcome of fetuses affected with AIT. IVIG appears to be a promising treatment for fetuses affected with this disease. In all likelihood, fetuses affected with AIT are at higher risk for serious bleeding complications related to fetal blood sampling procedures, but this risk remains to be further defined.