Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy

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Abstract
The laboratory diagnosis of autoimmune thrombocytopenia has only recently become more satisfactory. A fluorescein-labeled antiglobulin technique was used to investigate immunochemical properties of the platelet antibody detected in a pregnant woman with severe thrombocytopenia. The antibody was autoimmune and apparently had specificity for platelet antigens. It had Ig[immunoglobulin]G and IgM components and did not fix complement. Steroids had a beneficial effect indicated by a return to normal of platelet count, a falling antibody titer and disappearance of detectable antibody on the patient''s own platelets. Studies on the baby showed that the antibody had not crossed the placenta in detectable amounts.