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Antenatal screening for HPA-1a by flow cytometry
1Institute of Haematology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
Screening pregnant women for platelet antigen HPA-1a using flow cytometry is simple and rapid. However, the rarity of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia does not currently support routine maternal HPA-1a screening.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
- Hematology
Background:
- Fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) is a rare condition.
- Maternal screening for platelet antigen HPA-1a is a potential diagnostic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of flow cytometry for screening pregnant women for HPA-1a antigen.
- To assess the incidence of HPA-1a negativity and antibody development during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to screen 2,300 pregnant women for HPA-1a antigen.
- Follow-up included antibody detection and neonatal platelet counts for a subset of women.
Main Results:
- 1.7% (40/2,300) of pregnant women were negative for HPA-1a.
- No antibody development was observed in 28 followed women.
- Platelet counts in 17 neonates were normal.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry is a simple and rapid method for platelet antigen screening.
- Current data do not support routine maternal HPA-1a screening due to the rarity of FMAIT.