Fetal thrombocytopenia

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 10 Jul 2021

Fetal thrombocytopenia refers to an abnormally low platelet count in the fetus. The acceptable normal range for a fetal platelet count is similar to adults and do not vary significantly with gestation age. The lower limit for cut off is therefore usually taken as:

  • 150,000/uL for thrombocytopenia and
  • 50,000/uL for severe thrombocytopenia

Recognized associations include:

It is most often caused by maternal alloantibodies against fetal platelets crossing the placenta and resulting in platelet destruction. This condition, known as fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is considered a platelet equivalent of Rh isoimmunisation 5.

Other causes include:

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