Ch 23: Perinatal Issues Flashcards
Perinatal Issues
What does HDFN, ITP, & FNAIT stand for?
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn, Immune Thrombocytopenia, and Fetal/Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia
What causes hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)?
Maternal red cell antibodies specific to a paternally derived red cell antigen
Maternal IgG antibodies cross the placenta and destroy fetal red cells, leading to fetal anemia and hyperbilirubinemia.
Which antibodies are the most common clinically significant causes of HDFN?
Anti-D and anti-K
Anti-C, -c, and -E are significant but less common. ABO HDFN is common but usually mild to moderate.
What types of antibodies are clinically insignificant with respect to HDFN?
Anti-I, -P1, -Le*, and -Le’
These antibodies can generally be ignored during pregnancy.
What is the purpose of molecular typing of cell-free fetal DNA?
To predict fetal red cell antigens
Paternal testing can also help predict fetal inheritance and determine paternal RHD zygosity.
What are the requirements for Red Blood Cells used in intrauterine transfusion?
Irradiated, CMV reduced-risk, hemoglobin S negative, group O, and <7 days old
These criteria help ensure the safety and compatibility of the transfusion.
What is the rosette test used for?
Detecting fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) of approximately 10 mL or more
The Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test quantifies the size of FMH levels.
How does flow cytometry compare to the KB test?
It can more precisely measure fetal hemoglobin and/or RhD-positive red cells
This makes flow cytometry a more accurate method for assessing fetal blood status.
How should the calculated Rh Immune Globulin dose be rounded?
Round up if ≥0.5, round down if <0.5
An additional vial should be added to the result in either case.
When may maternal platelet antibody develop in fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT)?
As early as 17 weeks of gestation in the first pregnancy
Fetal thrombocytopenia may develop as early as 20 weeks.
What type of platelets should be given to treat neonatal thrombocytopenia?
Irradiated, CMV-reduced-risk platelets
This treatment helps avoid hemorrhage in neonates.
What should be done if ‘human platelet antigen (HPA) selected platelets are not immediately available?
Transfuse random-donor platelets
This is a temporary solution until HPA selected platelets can be obtained.
How does thrombocytopenia in neonates born to mothers with autoimmune conditions compare to those born with FNAIT?
It tends to be less severe
This difference in severity may influence treatment and monitoring strategies.
What is the primary cause of HDFN?
Destruction of fetal and newborn red cells by maternal red cell antibodies
What role does Rh Immune Globulin (RhiG) play in HDFN?
It supports the diagnosis and treatment of HDFN
What antibodies are more likely to cause early and/or severe HDFN?
IgG1 and IgG3
Increased hematopoietic drive due to HDFN causes what condition?
Erythroblastosis fetalis- liver and spleen enlargement secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis, and portal hypertension.
What are the consequences of liver enlargement in HDFN?
It can lead to hydrops fetalis, which is decreased production of albumin and associated decreased plasma oncotic pressure with generalized edema, ascites, and effusions.
What severe condition can develop from untreated hydrops fetalis?
Fetal death
What is kernicterus?
Permanent brain damage caused by hyperbilirubinemia
How does maternal antibody levels change after birth?
Typically decreases in the neonate over 12 weeks
What is the most common cause of HDFN?
ABO incompatibility
What is the typical treatment for ABO HDFN?
Phototherapy
What percentage of the population experiences HDFN secondary to non-ABO IgG antibodies?
1%