A Case of Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia Following Maternal Pemphigoid Gestationis

Abstract

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a complex condition, stemming from the transplacental passage of alloantibodies from a pregnant mother directed against fetal platelet antigens. This case report discusses a rare instance of severe NAIT initially presenting as inadequate weight gain. After a clinical workup yielded negative findings for an infection and the resolution of the patient's thrombocytopenia following the administration of platelet products and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), hematology deduced that this patient’s NAIT was secondary to maternal history of gestational pemphigus. We describe the pathophysiology and current understanding of NAIT, pemphigoid gestationis (PG), as well as an analysis of their association. This intersection of NAIT and maternal PG underscores the importance of considering potential interactions between maternal autoimmune conditions overall and their impact on fetal health.