Edinburgh Napier University

  Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) affects one in every 1000–2000 live births. Intracranial haemorrhage is the most serious complication of this condition, but the severity of thrombocytopenia in affected pregnancies varies widely. Effective treatment depends upon prompt and accurate diagnosis, however, diagnosis is difficult and at present is most commonly made after a baby develops evidence of abnormal bleeding. There is general concern that lack of awareness of the condition contributes to delay in diagnosis and an increase in potentially avoidable morbidity and mortality. This article aims to provide midwives with information about the incidence, diagnosis and clinical management of NAIT