[Platelet transfusion role in neonatal immune thrombocytopenia]

Abstract

Neonatal immune thrombocytopenia represent less than 5% of cases of early thrombocytopenia (early-onset<72hours post-delivery). As in adults, thrombocytopenia in neonates is defined as a platelet count less than 150G/L. They are either auto- or allo-immune. Thrombocytopenia resulting from transplacental passage of maternal antibodies directed to platelet membrane glycoproteins can be severe. The major complication of severe thrombocytopenia is bleeding and particularly intra-cranial haemorrhage and neurologic sequelea following. However, auto- and allo-immune thrombocytopenia have very different characteristics including the treatment management. In fact, this treatment is based on platelet transfusion associated or not to intravenous immunoglobulin administration. The purpose of this article is to remind platelet transfusion's place in neonatal immune thrombocytopenia in terms of recently published French guidelines and international practices.

Keywords: Allo-immunisation plaquettaire; Auto-immunity; Auto-immunité; Grossesse; Immune thrombocytopenia; Neonatal thrombocytopenia; Platelet allo-immunisation; Platelet transfusion; Pregnancy; Thrombopénies immunes; Thrombopénies néonatales; Transfusion plaquettaire.