Update on Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia
Program Code: 110-TC
Saturday, October 23, 2004
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (ET)

SPEAKERS
Karin Blakemore, MD, The Johns Hopkins Univ. Sch. Med
Stan Urbaniak, MD, PhD, University of Aberdeen
Naomi Luban, MD, Children's Hospital

DESCRIPTION
NAIT can result in severe thrombocytopenia that is not evident until the time of delivery. Since NAIT can occur in first pregnancies, there is often no way to prevent serious bleeding in the fetus or newborn infant, resulting in mortality or serious morbidity. The speakers will discuss the pathophysiology of NAIT, including platelet genotypes and the epidemiology and incidence of NAIT. There will be a brief review of clinically significant antibodies, focusing on anti-HPA-1a. Participants will also learn about advances in obstetrical and laboratory procedures, both diagnostic and therapeutic, which are utilized in the current management of fetuses at risk for NAIT. In addition, a brief discussion of the treatment of infants born with NAIT will be presented.

OBJECTIVES

• Explain the pathophysiology of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT)
• Discuss the clinically important antibodies, especially anti-HPA-1a
• Analyze prospective data on the outcomes of infants born with NAIT, including intracranial hemorrhage
• Describe advances in diagnostic obstetrical and laboratory procedures available for the treatment of fetuses at risk for NAIT
• Review advances in the therapeutic management of fetuses at risk for NAIT

AUDIENCE
Physicians, Scientists, Technologists, Nurses, Managers/Supervisors

PROGRAM LEVEL
Intermediate