Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) occurs when the mother passes on antibodies that attack a fetus’ platelets during pregnancy. Platelets are blood cells that are needed to stem bleeding; without adequate levels of platelets, bleeding may continue longer than is considered safe.
In FNAIT, the newborn has a low platelet count. This may require platelet transfusions to ensure that deficient levels of platelets are increased to safe levels. The purpose of this is to ensure that the newborn does not experience issues with bleeding that may be life-threatening.
FNAIT may be newly diagnosed in newborns who show signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, which are small purple spots on the skin, and bruising. Alternatively, FNAIT may already be expected due to a diagnosis from a previous pregnancy. Regardless of this, the way in which FNAIT is managed is by raising platelet levels in the newborn until the negative effects of the platelet-attacking antibodies from the mother has passed.
Learn more about FNAIT treatment and care
Are a mother’s platelets safe?
Blood transfusions are typically administered fusing blood donated from consenting individuals during donation drives, which are then screened for safety and securely stored in a blood bank. When blood transfusions are needed, a doctor usually places an order with the blood bank to obtain the amount of blood needed. This means that specific blood donations from family members are typically unnecessary.
Read more about FNAIT causes and risk factors
In FNAIT, a mother cannot donate platelets to her infant because the platelet-attacking antibodies come from the mother in the first place. Thus, this step would be counter-productive. A blood transfusion from the mother will put the infant at further risk of harm.
It is understandable for mothers with infants diagnosed with FNAIT to want to play a role in their recovery. However, in this case, platelet donations from the mother are not considered safe.
Caring for your newborn with FNAIT
If your newborn is diagnosed with FNAIT, a doctor will monitor your newborn’s platelet levels until it becomes normalized. Platelet transfusions may be needed to speed up the boosting of platelet levels. During this time, healthcare professionals such as nurses will be on standby in case of emergencies.
Once your newborn’s platelet levels have normalized and all associated complications have been dealt with, your newborn will be discharged from the hospital. If the FNAIT in your child is mild, this may take place in a few short days. However, longer hospital stays may be necessary if significant bleeding has occurred in your child. After discharge, it is important to adhere to any follow-up consultations that your doctor might have scheduled to monitor your infant’s health status.
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