Alloimmune cytopenia part I hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn [HDFN]

One of the most dramatic advances of modern medicine has been the discovery and development of diagnostic methods, treatment and prophylaxis of hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newbom [HDFN]. In a few decades, the field has progressed from a complete lack of understanding of the condition to a detailed grasp and understanding of the molecular and immunological bases of the disease. These advances have in turn culminated in the development of prophylaxis and the near total elimination of its morbidity. In this review, we shall briefly cover the history and progress of developments of this condition and presents the new concepts in the classification and nomenclature of alloimmune cytopenia of pregnancy. We will also provide a short account on advances in the pathophysiology, treatment and prevention of this condition. A review of developments in management will be discussed together with highlights of health care issues of women with alloimmune cytopenia

Alloimmune cytopenia: part II ; alloimmune thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia alloimmune thrombocytopenia

Feto-maternal alloinmmune thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurs when the mother produces antibodies against a platelet or a neutrophil alloantigen that the fetus has inherited from the father. As a result, there is destruction of the fetal platelets or the neutrophil according to the condition and result in a reduction in their numbers. Reduction in the platelets can cause intrauterine fetal bleeding or bleeding after birth. In severe cases, this bleeding may lead to long lasting disabilities. In the case of neonatal neutropenia the reduction of the neutrophils will increase the susceptibility to serious infectious. Current advances in management attempts at the prevention of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in the fetus. This includes administration of intravenous immunoglobulin corticosteroids, or intrauterine transfusion of antigen-compatible platelets or neutrophils to the fetus. The management is costly and requires specialized labs and skilled perinatal and neonatal care