Maternal hemolysis after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a therapeutic agent used to prevent fetal thrombocytopenia in those pregnancies identified to be at risk for fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Although generally considered a safe medication, hemolytic anemia is a known side effect of IVIG treatment that may result in maternal medical complications.

CASES: We present three cases of IVIG-induced maternal anemia from separate institutions that occurred during treatment for fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia and resolved after discontinuation or alteration of therapy. None of the treated fetuses had thrombocytopenia at birth.

CONCLUSION: There is a potential for hemolysis when prescribing IVIG. We recommend laboratory monitoring for hemolytic anemia and suggest options for management including drug modification or cessation of therapy.