alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Question
I had a baby with alloimmune thrombocytopenia, I am in the 50/50
group of my babies having it. My question is: Is it worth while
having my identical twin sister and her partner tested for it
aswell? She is 22 weeks pregnant and her Dr will not do it
but I have recently learned from support group
(http/www.naitbabies.org) I have joined that sisters can carry
the antibodies also if the platelets of their partners don't match
etc . I realise this is a rare condition to have but and
chances are my sisters baby is fine but would love to know so my
mind can rest easy.
Dr Emma Parry and Martin Sowter replies:
As you know NAIT is rare and there isn't always the detailed
guidance available. Recently research has been done around the role
of routine screening of all pregnant women for antibodies and this
is being done in some Scandanavian countries. One of the problems
with screening is that for NAIT we are still working out the best
treatment regime as you are aware. The general medical view is you
shouldn't start screening for a condition unless you can act on the
result in a meaningful way. At the same time as the screening
research, there is more treatment research being investigated and a
possible programme similar to that for women who are Rhesus
Negative.
So, in summary, no clear answer, but I think it is reasonable to
test your sister to see if she has antibodies. However, it is
important that she understands what the test is for, the lack of
data around treatment, and that the results get interpreted by
someone who understands them.
Best wishes,
Dr Emma Parry.
Answer by:Dr Emma Parry and Martin Sowter
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist